Abstract: A liquid crystal panel in which temperature rise of the liquid crystal panel is sufficiently restrained by cooling the panel by means of a cooling liquid, and exudation of the cooling liquid toward the liquid crystal material is prevented. Disclosed are cover members attached to the liquid crystal panel that form cavities on the light entrance and exit sides of the panel. The cover members are such that a sealed portion of the liquid crystal material is not in contact with the cavities. The cover members are light transmitting. The cavities are filled with the cooling liquid.

Abstract: An air filtration device for projector includes a holder, a filter, and a rack. The rack is movably disposed in the holder for supporting the filter. When the rack moves to a first position, the rack is received within the holder. When the rack moves from the first position to a second position, the filter is released from the rack for replacement.

Abstract: A rearview mirror reflects ambient light and dims when light from headlights of a following motor vehicle is detected. Electrochromic mirror glass is fixedly secured to a frame within an opening. A sensor is fixedly secured to a housing for sensing ambient light and focused or glare light directed toward the rearview mirror. A light guide is disposed between the housing and the sensor for directing the ambient light and glare light outside the housing toward the sensor. The rearview mirror also includes a switching device for periodically disrupting the transmission of the light to identify a presence of the glare light, such that the sensor creates a dimming signal upon the identification of the presence of the glare light to dim the electrochromic mirror glass. The use of the switching device minimizes the number of sensors required by using the same sensor for measuring ambient light and glare light.

Abstract: A portable wide-view mirror apparatus that allows a driver to see the rear half of the right blind-side of a trailer and right-side obstacles during a right blind-side backing maneuver. Generally, a notebook-like design wherein the mirror opens up from the attached base for use. The mirror is placed on the passenger side of the dashboard inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, is positioned by the driver at the beginning of the backing maneuver to provide a wide rearward view out the passenger side window, and is adjusted when necessary by the driver during the backing maneuver. The mirror is folded down when not in use. The portable mirror is especially useful to the commercial truck driver as an aid in the right blind-side backing maneuver of a semi-tractor trailer. In the event the driver changes trucks, the driver retains the portable mirror for use in the new truck.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror comprises: a mirror surface; an actuator 100 which tilts the mirror surface; a plate pivot 110, which changes its direction together with the mirror surface; a spring 112, which applies a resilient force to the plate pivot 110 in the direction substantially vertical to the mirror surface; a guide spring 114 which is fitted to the end of the spring 112 at the side far from the interlocking member; a semiconductor pressure sensor 116, which is in contact with the guide spring at substantially one point so as to detect a load loaded on the one point from the pressing member; and a signal outputting portion which outputs a signal depending upon the tilted angle of the mirror surface based on the force detected by the semiconductor pressure sensor 116.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a body and a door pivotably fitted to the body. The body and the door together define an interior space in the refrigerator. At least one lamp for illumination of the interior is mounted on the door and the light distribution thereof, relative to the door, is variable and coupled to the pivot motion of the door.

Abstract: An illuminating balloon includes an inflatable envelope and a sectional bulb support integrated in the envelope. The sectional bulb support includes a horizontally freely turnable top support to avoid tangling of the bulb support with the envelope during inflating. The top support defines an upper locking space for connecting the whole bulb support to a radially inward projected ring member integrally provided at a top center of the envelope without causing water leakage thereat. The sectional bulb support is height-adjustable and adaptable to differently sized inflatable envelopes, and has an open bulb-protecting grid that does not block light sources to produce shadows on the envelope, and an air-relieving hole to prevent the envelope from fluttering while being quickly inflated.

Abstract: A flashlight as disclosed to comprise a barrel, a tail cap, a head assembly, and a miniature lamp bulb holder and for providing interruptible electrical coupling to dry cell batteries retained within the barrel. One-way valves may be positioned at seal locations in association with passageways to allow venting of overpressure within the interior volume of the flashlight.

Abstract: A backlight uses an array of red, green, and blue LEDs in a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has reflecting surfaces and a top opening for illuminating LCD layers. A desired brightness profile and better color uniformity are obtained by using techniques including arranging the LEDs in certain sequences and patterns, providing a specular ring at the base of each LED, attenuating the brightness of the LEDs at the edges, and using widely separated diffusers in the mixing chamber. The arrangement, selection, and control of the multicolored LEDs may be tailored to achieve any desired white point specified by the display manufacturer.

Abstract: A nightlight provides therapeutic effects on the human body and mind including promoting relaxation, sleep and wakefulness. The nightlight includes a housing, a light source, a central processor, one or more controls, and a power supply. The light source produces at least three illumination modes including a sleep readiness mode at about 40 lumens which preferably includes only light from the blue and yellow portions of the visible light spectrum, a sleep help mode providing substantially monochromatic light in the blue or green spectrum, and a wake-up mode providing substantially full spectrum light at approximately 1,600 lumens. The nightlight may be incorporated into a bedside alarm clock. The alarm function may be provided by illumination of one of the three nightlight's illumination modes, which is preferably the wake up mode which may illuminate slowly or substantially immediately to full brightness.

Abstract: The in-ground, or “well light”, fixture comprises a hollow cylindrical housing with an angled end and an flat end, a lamp assembly easily mounted at either end, and a baffle. The lamp assembly is rotatably and vertically adjustable within the housing and either the angled end or the flat end may be placed upward by virtue of a pair of channels extending down the length of the housing. Fasteners are provided on the lamp assembly for attaching one or more filters above the lamp face and to create a protective air gap that prevents debris from accumulating on the lamp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device at a low cost which enhances the color purity of light to be projected, and which resists deterioration due to ambient light such as infrared ray. This display device includes an LED, an optical member for selectively outputting light components, of which wavelength is a predetermined minimum-limit wavelength or longer, from incident light, and a mirror for selectively reflecting light components, of which wavelength is a predetermined maximum-limit wavelength or shorter, from irradiated light. One of the optical member or the mirror receives light directly from the LED, and outputs it to the other. Subsequently, the other receives the light from one of the optical member and the mirror, and outputs it.

Abstract: A light control film having a refractive index n and an uneven, irregular surface pattern provides a reasonable level of light diffusion without a glare problem provided, for any cross-section perpendicular to the base plane of the film, the average of absolute values of slope ?ave of a curve along the edge of the cross-section contoured by the rough surface pattern (profile curve) is at least 78-34n degrees and no higher than 118-34n degrees, or the average of absolute values of slope ?ave of a profile curve to the length L1 of a straight line defined by the intersection of the base plane and the cross-section satisfies the following formula (3) or (4) for substantially all cross-sections.

Abstract: A lighting assembly that includes a light fixture adapted to be disposed in relation to an opening defined in a surface of a structure such that a lamp may be installed in the light fixture through the opening, a trim having an outer surfaces, and an intumescent layer on the outer surface of the trim. The trim is adapted to engage the light fixture so that the outer surface of the trim on which the intumescent layer is disposed is positioned in proximity to the opening in the structure. The intumescent layer is adapted to expand to form a fire resistant seal between the trim and the structure when the intumescent layer reaches a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A work light apparatus includes a housing that has a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending between and attached to the top and bottom walls. A portion of the housing comprises a cage extending from the bottom wall and through the top wall. A light socket is mounted in the housing adjacent to the bottom wall. A light bulb mounted in the light socket emits light outwardly through the cage. An electrical cord is electrically coupled to the light socket. A back magnet is attached to an outer surface of a solid portion of the peripheral wall. The back magnet is positioned opposite of the cage and is configured to releasably couple the housing to a metallic surface attracted to magnets.

Abstract: Optical films are disclosed, which have a structured surface including a plurality of concave pyramid-shaped structures, each structure having a base including at least two first sides and at least two second sides. In addition, optical devices are disclosed that incorporate the optical films, for example, such that a first surface of the optical film is disposed to receive light from a light source and the structured surface faces away from the light source.

Abstract: A concrete batch mixing system and method are disclosed that enable the batch master to measure and control both the water and cementitious ingredient feeds in relation to each other so as to be able to blend the two ingredients in a known, selected, adjustable and repeatable manner, and to agglomerate these ingredients in a counter-rotating twin screw mixing apparatus for use in the preparation of batches of mixed concrete in a concrete batching process.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery assembly is disclosed for mixing a powdered copolymer and a liquid monomer to form a bone cement and deliver the bone cement. The assembly includes a cartridge having a distal end and a proximal end and defining a mixing chamber between the distal end and the proximal end. A transfer mechanism having a cap and a stem supporting a piston and a plunger is connected to the distal end. The transfer mechanism includes a first advancement mechanism for advancing the piston and plunger in unison and a second advancement mechanism for moving the plunger independent of the piston. The assembly further includes a removable handle and a mixing blade releasably coupled to the handle to mix the components of the bone cement. A quick-release connector and a release device are used to lock and unlock the mixing blade from the removable handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixer element for a mixer for producing a paste by mixing components, the mixer comprising a mixing chamber. The mixer element comprises a body portion comprising a longitudinal axis extending from a rear end to a front end of the body portion, mixing vanes or blades provided at the body portion, and closure elements for closing the inlet openings to the mixing chamber. The closure elements are arranged at the rear end of the body portion adjacent to the inlet openings, and provide a paste-tight closure.

Abstract: A blender includes a base frame, a cover for covering the base frame, a muffler housing, a motor, and a fan. The base frame includes a hollow column having a compartment for receiving the motor. Two separating plates extend downward from a bottom end of the base frame. The motor includes a lower drive shaft for driving the fan for driving ambient cool air into the compartment of the hollow column via the apertures, thereby directly cooling the motor. The separating plates prevent the hot air exiting the blender from entering the blender again.

Abstract: The invention proposes a timepiece comprising a repeater striking mechanism (14), wherein the striking mechanism (14) comprises a release lever (24) fitted with a click (26) which is pivotably mounted on the release lever (24) and which meshes with the teeth (27) of a ratchet detent wheel (28) such that, during automatic release, a release cam (16) causes the release lever (24) to pivot towards the detent wheel (28), characterized in that the striking mechanism (14) comprises a winding cam (34), which cooperates with a shoulder (36) associated with the release lever (24) to control the winding thereof, in that the release lever (24) is restrained in its wound position, by a locking device (42), and in that the release cam (16) releases the striking mechanism by unlocking the locking device (42).

Abstract: A conducting structure and an electronic clinical thermometer, wherein the conducting structure is provided on the measuring end of the clinical thermometer, and the measuring end has a recess, a temperature sensor and conducting wires fitted in the recess, and a contact member having a curved top and made of metallic conductive material and having a predetermined length embedded in the recess thereby providing the contact member with a large temperature sensing contact area but only with a small portion protruded out of the measuring end, and therefore enabling the thermometer to be fully in contact with a certain portion of the human body such as the armpit, preventing the thermometer from being broken, and achieving heat balance rapidly. The measuring end of the thermometer may be bent at a predetermined angle or the contact member may be arranged at either side of the measuring end as required.

Abstract: A reclosable bag for filling with at least one food product. The reclosable bag generally includes at least one sheet of web material having at least two areas of structural weakness. At least one fold structure is located between and defined by the two areas of structural weakness. An opening is located generally opposite the fold structure. The reclosable bag further includes a reclosable fastener structure having an integral skirt structure of skirt web material extending therefrom. The integral skirt structure includes a distal margin. The distal margin is coupled to the web material at, at least one location between the areas of structural weakness and the opening. The reclosable fastener structure extends past the areas of structural weakness and into the fold structure. The reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least one food product through the opening.

Abstract: A rolling guide apparatus is provided which is reduced in size and weight, and which includes a track rail of a flexible structure of course having a function of absorbing an impact load and capable of automatically adjusting an error between mounting surfaces of the track rail and a movable block. The apparatus includes a track rail 10 with projected portions 12 projecting to the left and right, a movable block 30 having at least four sets of endlessly circulating roller rows 20 built therein which are in rolling contact with upper and lower surfaces of the left and right projected portions 12 of the track rail 10.

Abstract: A ball chain used in a linear guideway, at either end of the chain is formed a protruded connecting block, the connecting blocks each has an abutting surface that is parallel to a radial direction of a center of the radius of curvature of the ball chain, the abutting surfaces of the connecting blocks of the spacers at both ends of the chain are mated with each other for limiting axial rotation of the ball chain. Due to the two connecting blocks at the end of the ball chain that has entered the return path protrude out of the groove, the end of the chain within the return path will use the abutting surface to limit the end of the chain that has not entered the return path and to guide the end of the chain, which has not entered the return path, into the return path smoothly, thus improving the operating smoothness of the chain.

Abstract: A bearing shell with a spherical bearing surface for a ball and socket joint preferably for use in chassis suspensions or steering mechanisms of motor vehicles, which has essentially a joint housing and a bearing journal, which comprises a spherical surface and a pivot part and which is mounted with the spherical surface rotatably and deflectably in the spherical bearing surface of the bearing shell fixed in the joint housing, is presented, in which a filament fabric is embedded according to the present invention in the thermoplastic of the bearing shell (5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) at least in a partial area.

Abstract: Self-lubricating bushings and bearings that include lubricant inserts that have central axes that are aligned substantially parallel to the central axes of their respective bushings or bearings. The lubricant inserts present a side edge that is substantially flush with the corresponding bearing surface of the bushing or bearing. The exposed edges of the inserts can extend to the longitudinal edges of the bearing surface of the bushing or bearing. The bearings and bushing can be incorporated into bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A tapered roller bearing includes an outer race, an inner race, a plurality of tapered rollers, and a cage. A small-diameter end portion of the inner race is formed with a small flange portion for limiting axial movement of the tapered rollers and a cylindrical portion which has a less diameter than the small flange portion and is connected to an axial outer end of the small flange portion. The cage is formed at a small-diameter end portion thereof with a bent portion which is bent inward in a radial direction. A small-diameter end portion of the cage has a bent portion which is faced to an outer surface of the cylindrical portion of the inner race with a predetermined clearance therefrom such that a labyrinth is created between the cage and the inner race.

Abstract: A classification clip for an electronic or optoelectronic module. In one example embodiment, an optoelectronic module classification clip includes a body, a complementary structure attached to the body and configured to engage a complementary structure of a shell of an optoelectronic module, and a visible indicator included on at least a portion of the body or the complementary structure. The visible indicator indicates information concerning a characteristic of the optoelectronic module.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, which is able to output menu items and set values provided for the respective menu items, outputs the set value changed from the factory default set value and the menu item corresponding to the set value distinctly from unchanged set values and menu items corresponding to the unchanged set values, thereby minimizing the time and errors in checking the changed menu item and set value.

Abstract: A liquid marker for marking wires and conductors for identification purposes having a nib with a divergent or a somewhat V-shaped opening so as to be able to accommodate a range of different circumferences of wires.

Abstract: A document storage device configured to receive a title sheet. The document storage device including a cover having a cover lip and a cover sheet coupled to the cover. The cover sheet is movable between an open position and a closed position such that when the cover sheet is in the closed position, at least a portion of a first edge engages the cover lip and defines a title sheet space between the cover and the cover sheet that is configured to receive the title sheet.

Abstract: A cardan shaft structure with tightness adjustable functions has a through-hole passing through spheres located at both ends of the cardan shaft body, and a taper socket respectively installed into the opening end of each sphere. A bolt is inserted into both spheres and the body, fixed and locked together in conjunction with a nut. The cardan shaft structure works together with two clamping components wrapping around the spheres. When the sphere is being pushed against (or freed from) the inner wall of the clamping component by tightening (or loosing) the bolt so as to make the sphere either expand (or recover), the angle displacement of the clamping component becomes adjustable accordingly.

Abstract: A gripping device comprises a support body (2) within a sleeve (8), with the sleeve being mounted around the body for relative translational movement along a common axis thereof. A plurality of gripping elements (10, 12) are pivotally mounted in the body (2), the elements having lever arms (20, 22) projecting laterally from the boundary of the body. Translational movement of the sleeve (8) relative to the body (2) causes working engagement of the sleeve with the gripping element lever arms (20, 22), and movement of the lever arms to pivot the elements (10, 12) and close the elements around an item captured therebetween. Normally, the pivotal axes for the gripping elements (10, 12) are disposed within the support body (2), with the elements themselves projecting axially from an end thereof. The pivotal axes are normally substantialy parallel, and indeed the gripping elements may all be mounted for pivotal movement about the same common axis (18).

Abstract: A vehicle barrier is formed with a barrier gate mounted on a pair of opposing lift arms pivotally connected via pivot shafts to a support structure. A plurality of endless bands are looped around the opposing pivot shafts and positioned to pass through compartments in the barrier gate. The lift arms and the barrier gate may be fabricated from lightweight material, such as thin steel, aluminum or plastic, so that the stopping power of the vehicle barrier is provided by the anchored bands. In permanent or portable configurations, the lightweight barrier gate can be quickly raised by hydraulic cylinders, or other appropriate means, into a deployed position to interfere with the passage of a vehicle over the barrier. The anchoring of the bands at ground or below ground locations on both sides of the barrier provides stopping power without requiring massive barrier structures to be raised and lowered in use.

Abstract: A screeding apparatus and method for screeding and smoothing an uncured concrete surface includes a vibrating member and a grade setting device adjustably mounted to said vibrating member. The screeding apparatus may include a wheeled support which at least partially supports the vibrating member and/or the grade setting device. The grade setting device may be vertically adjustable to set or indicate the desired grade of the concrete surface as the screeding apparatus is moved over and through the uncured concrete. The level of the screeding apparatus may be automatically adjustable to maintain a desired level and angle of attack of the vibrating member.

Abstract: A method for designing and implementing a system for subsurface drip irrigation dispersal of sodic water from a coal bed seam, the method comprising calculating a land surface area below which the sodic water dispersal system is to be placed, determining a concentration of total dissolved solids contained in the sodic water and in the aquifer ground water beneath the land surface area, developing a sodic water dispersal system configuration and dispersal sequence that limits the increase in the concentration of total dissolved solids in the aquifer ground water to no more than five hundred percent. Installing the sodic water dispersal system in the land area in accordance with the developed system configuration and pumping sodic water from the coal bed into the configured dispersal system in accordance with the developed dispersal sequence.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for manual installation of rock bolts expandable by means of a pressure media comprising manual coupling of a pressure source to a rock bolt to be expanded. The method comprises the steps of an operator starting a sequence whereby the rock bolt is pressurized to a predetermined pressure, and it being ensured that the predetermined pressure is kept for a predetermined period of time. The present invention is also related to such a control system, and an apparatus comprising such a control system.

Abstract: A bulk material handling system generally consisting of means for holding the material; means for conveying the material including a first conduit formed of a permeable material having an inlet communicating with an outlet of the material holding means and an outlet, a second conduit formed of an impermeable material encompassing and spaced from the first conduit, providing a chamber therebetween, and an auger disposed in the first conduit for transporting material received through the inlet to the outlet thereof; means for rotatably driving the auger; and means for supplying a fluidizing gas under pressure to the chamber between the first and second conduits.

Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.

Abstract: A cutting matrix has a top surface, a first cavity for tightening the cutting matrix in a cutting tool, and a cutting edge for cutting by stock removal. A second tightening cavity is arranged coaxially with respect to the first cavity. The first cavity is deeper than the second, and both are below the upper surface of the cutting matrix.

Abstract: A cutting insert for grooving operations having a forward main cutting edge and two opposing side cutting edges extending rearwardly and outwardly from the main cutting edge, each side cutting edge having a variable rake angle.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention relates to an edge-carrying drill body (1) of the type that is intended for deep hole drilling, and which is rotatable around a geometric axis (C) as well as comprises a through channel (2) arranged for internal chip evacuation, which channel mouths in front and rear ends of the body. Characteristic of the invention is that one or more cutting edges (4) are made integrally with the rest of the body, more precisely from a hard material, such as cemented carbide or CERMET. In a second aspect, the invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of such a drill body. In a third aspect, the invention furthermore relates to a drilling tool for deep hole drilling.

Abstract: A cutting tool including a cutter head and a holder. One of the cutter head and the holder has a recess formed in its axial end portion and defined by its circumferential wall. The other of the cutter head and the holder has a protrusion formed in its axial end portion, such that the cutter head and the holder are detachably attached to each other, with the protrusion being introduced in the recess by an axial distance. The above-described one has coaxial holes formed in the circumferential wall. The above-described other has an engaging surface which is recessed from an outer circumferential surface of the protrusion and which is held in engagement with a pin that is received in the coaxial holes. Each of the coaxial holes has an axis which is inclined, with respect to a plane perpendicular to an axis of the above-described one, in a direction causing the above-described axial distance to be increased by a cutting resistance generated in a cutting operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device for clamping a tool (8), or tool holder in a working spindle (4), in particular, of a machine tool, comprising a drawbar (10), arranged to be displaced within the working spindle (4), a clamping set (12), arranged in the working spindle (4) and displaceable between a clamping position and a released position by means of the drawbar (10), a spring arrangement (14) provided for the drawbar (10) to generate the drawing force for the clamping set (12) and a releasing unit (17; 49), by means of which the clamping set (12) may be moved into the released position by the drawbar (10) against the force of the spring arrangement (14). According to the invention, a simplified operation of the clamping device may be achieved, whereby the releasing unit (17; 49) may be operated by an electrical actuator (62, 63, 53, 54).

Abstract: A tool holder is equipped with a tip run-out correction mechanism for correcting run-out of the tip of the tool. The tip run-out correction mechanism includes an annular stepped portion formed on a cylindrical support portion of a holder body; a ring member rotatably fitted onto the annular stepped portion; an eccentric cam disposed within the ring member, the eccentric cam extending radially through the ring member and being rotatable about a radially extending axis; and a pin disposed within the ring member to be movable along a direction parallel to the center axis of a flange portion of the holder body. One end of the pin is in contact with the eccentric cam, and the other end of the pin is in contact with a rear end face of a clamp sleeve which clamps a tool inserted into a chuck sleeve of the holder body.

Abstract: A high strength failure-resistant hollow wall anchor having a self drilling threaded installation structure adapted to be broken, after positioning, by an inserted screw, into expandable anchoring elements. The anchoring elements engage internally formed cams and the distal surface of the wall into which the anchor is deployed and are comprised of a plastic sufficiently rigid to effect a threaded insertion and to be broken apart, but which plastic is also sufficiently flexible to be able to form the expansion anchor member on the distal surface of a wall. The anchor includes anti-rotation elements to retard overtightening and anchor removal prior to screw removal.

Abstract: A set screw includes a threaded body having a hole defined therein, wherein the hole is situated along an axis of the threaded body. The set screw also includes a super-elastic alloy insert, such as a nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) insert, partially received and secured within the hole. The NiTi insert may include a plurality of grooves adapted to allow for transverse expansion of the NiTi insert. The NiTi insert may be polygonally or cylindrically shaped. The NiTi insert may also have a substantially flat tip.

Abstract: A device for mounting a component, such as a pipe, on a threaded stud comprises a main body section with a bore for inserting a stud and a component mounting section. The device includes only a single pawl that extends from a first inner wall of the bore in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the bore. The pawl has a flexible thin section connected to the inner wall and a thick section extending from the thin section. The pawl can be bent in opposite directions at the thin section. A pair of thread engaging sections for engaging threads of the stud are formed at an end of the thick section. A pair of grooves for engaging threads are formed adjacent to respective engaging sections.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to facilitate unloading material from the cargo area (e.g. bed) of a vehicle. The apparatus may include a flexible member placed to line the bottom of the cargo area before a load is placed therein. After moving the vehicle to a desired location, a friction-reducing member may be placed to extend across the rear edge of the cargo area (e.g. the rear edge of an open tailgate). One end of the flexible member may be wrapped around the friction-reducing member and placed just behind the rear wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle may then be moved in reverse. The wheels of the vehicle roll over the flexible material, fixing one end thereof to the ground. The friction reducing member acts like a pulley (whether rolling with, or simply sliding with respect to, the flexible member) at the edge of the moving tailgate, drawing the flexible member and associated load out of the cargo area of the vehicle.