Abstract: A sheet discharged from a sheet discharging portion arranged at a distance from a sheet stacking portion, to a stacking portion, is conveyed along the sheet stacking portion while the sheet edge on an upstream side in a sheet discharging direction is held. A shifting unit arranged downstream of the sheet stacking portion in the sheet discharging direction shifts the discharged sheet from the sheet discharging portion toward the downstream side in the sheet discharging direction while a pressing member presses the sheet to the sheet stacking portion.

Abstract: A sheet aligning apparatus includes a tray device for piling and storing sheets from a sheet outlet, a sheet discharging and delivering device arranged above the tray device, and a shift device for moving the sheet discharging and delivering device between an operating position of pressing the uppermost sheet with predetermined pressing force and a non-operating position of lightening or releasing pressing force. The apparatus also includes a regulating stopper member for colliding the sheets sent by the sheet discharging and delivering device at the sheet front or back ends for regulating sheet position, an aligning device for regulating the sheets on the tray in a direction crossing the sheet discharging direction, and a control device for controlling the sheet discharging and delivering device, the shift device and the aligning device.

Abstract: A disclosed sheet aligning device includes a sheet conveyance path; a detecting unit configured to detect a side edge of a sheet being conveyed in the sheet conveyance path; a stopper provided on an upstream side of the detecting unit and configured to open/close in such a manner as to allow/prevent passage of the sheet through the sheet conveyance path and to position a leading edge of the sheet being conveyed in the sheet conveyance path; a first conveying unit provided on an upstream side of the stopper, the first conveying unit including a pair of first rollers configured to come in contact with/separate from each other; a second conveying unit provided on an upstream side of the first conveying unit, the second conveying unit including a pair of second rollers configured to come in contact with/separate from each other; and a horizontal movement unit configured to move the pair of first rollers in an axial direction of the first rollers based on a detection result output by the detecting unit.

Abstract: An open/close mechanism can be used for paper trays of an image forming apparatus. The open/close mechanism includes a plate member provided on a side of a housing of the image forming apparatus and configured to pivot upon an axis between an open position and a close position, and a box member that is arranged in the housing beneath the plate member and that can be drawn out of the housing from the side. The open/close mechanism includes also includes a restricting unit that is coupled to the plate member and that abuts against the box member when the box member is set in the housing and when the plate member is in the open position thereby restricting detachment of the box member from the housing.

Abstract: A pair of registration rollers are provided upstream in a paper transport path from an image forming position, and a paper transport position detection portion is provided upstream in the paper transport path from the pair of registration rollers. When consecutive print processing on a plurality of sheets of paper is performed, a paper transport position in the paper transport path is detected by the paper transport position detection portion for a sheet of paper that has been set in advance among the plurality of sheets of paper. A correction amount of a position for image writing to a photosensitive drum is determined based on the paper transport position, and correction of the image writing position is performed based on the correction amount.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a gripper configured to discharge a sheet, a plurality of stacker trays arranged in a row and configured to stack the discharged sheet, and a guiding unit configured to guide the discharged sheet to a predetermined position. The plurality of stacking trays are horizontally arranged so that a large number of sheets can be stacked without increasing the size of the sheet stacking apparatus.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a sheet stack portion having a plurality of separately elevatable stacker trays configured to stack a conveyed sheet and arranged one after the other in a sheet conveying direction. When a number of sheets to be stacked is greater than a number of sheets stackable on a stacker tray, the sheets are conveyed on one stacker tray and then stacked on another stacker tray so that the sheet stacking apparatus is capable of stacking a large number of sheets.

Abstract: A sheet-stacking apparatus includes a gripper configured to convey a sheet, two stacker trays stacking sheets arranged in a row, and a support member configured to separately elevate the two stacker trays. The stacker tray is selected according to a sheet length.

Abstract: In a paper money handling apparatus including a volume for containing a paper money, a paper money transfer means for taking the paper money into and out from the volume, a paper money guide for guiding the paper money to be taken into and out from the volume, and a paper money pressing means for pressing the paper money in the volume, the paper money pressing means descends with its gravity at a side of the paper money guide facing to the volume, and the apparatus further includes a paper money deforming member for applying to the paper money a rigidity for moving vertically upward the paper money pressing means.

Abstract: A game of chance involves use of a pair of dice or other randomizing device to obtain a first number set, wherein a first wager immediately wins when the first number set from the dice/device adds up to one of the numbers in a selected Numbers Group or Wagering Zone. A winning wager, or portion of the winning wager, may be parlayed to a second tier wager to determine whether the next roll of the dice/device will produce a second number set that is the same as the first number set. The Wagering Zones may be incorporated/combined with traditional casino game layouts, for example, Craps, slot-machine, Blackjack, or Roulette types of layout. In many board or table embodiments, wagers, based on speculation of what will be the first number set and subsequent number sets, are placed directly on the playing surface, with second tier wagering zones provided to prevent confusion with others' “fresh” wagers on the subsequent rolls.

Abstract: A gaming chair for use with a gaming machine that conducts a wagering game, the chair includes a seat and a tactile device for providing tactile sensations via the seat according to at least one of events occurring in the wagering game, and player input through an input device.

Abstract: A game apparatus is provided for one or more players having a first game member that includes a puzzle or a game area having indicia forming a grid having sub-grids including a plurality of cells. Each cell is assigned indicia in a solution pattern of the puzzle such that a distinct indicia appears once in each row, column, and sub-grid. The first game member displays the solution indicia for some of the cells and the remaining cells are divided into a number of sub-cells bearing the possible solution indicia for the corresponding cell such that each sub-cell includes a distinct indicia. A player speculates which sub-cell bears the correct solution indicia for the respective cell. The apparatus further includes at least one game piece adapted to randomly display an indicia when manipulated, the indicia modifying a game parameter such as a player's score or number of possible speculations the player can make in one turn.

Abstract: A game may include a first game board having a plurality of shaped holes distributed in a regular pattern, a laser piece generating a laser beam, a laser target piece responsive to the laser beam, and mirror pieces each having a matching shape for insertion in the shaped holes of the first game board to reflect the laser beam along a path from the laser piece to the laser target piece. The mirror pieces may be inserted at a limited number of azimuth angles in the game board, such as multiples of 22.5°. The game board and mirror pieces may be marked with a series of lines aligned with the azimuth angles so that the direction of reflection of the laser beam can easily be determined by inspection.

Abstract: A method for playing bingo like games utilizing a small sequence of essentially random play numbers applied to a matrix to generate a relatively large quantity of call numbers to cover patterns on one or more game cards.

Abstract: A craps game apparatus includes a craps game layout and dice for generating a plurality of dice role outcomes, wherein each dice role outcome yields an integer number from 2 through 12. The craps game layout has a pass line wagering area for receiving a bet on a pass outcome. The pass outcome occurs when a dice roll outcome yields an established point number before an outcome of 7. A bonus betting location is provided for receiving a bet on a bonus outcome based on a sequence of the dice roll outcomes. The bonus outcome occurs when the sequence of dice roll outcomes includes a predetermined number of consecutive pass outcomes before a bonus bet termination event, such as a seven out or a crap out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game for stimulating imagination and creativity in a plurality of players by story telling. The game involves each player which can be an individual or team of players selecting a given number of photo cards depicting a discrete scene place or object and using one or more of the selected cards to tell a story. A score is developed based on pre-determined characteristics including composition of the story; having a beginning, middle and end; as well as time to tell the story. The winner of the game is determined by the player with the highest score.

Abstract: The deck of 4-SCORE-PRO is new and unique. It consists of 58 cards (40 Numbered Cards, 8 False Cards, 2 Wild Cards, 4 Credit Cards, and 4 Currency Cards). The 40 numbered cards are key to the game; each card contains 4 numbers. The SEQUENCING that was developed to create the numbered combinations is shown on pages 14 and 15 (of the RULES). The layout of a numbered-card (FIG. 1) is shown on page 1 of the document entitled “4-SCORE-PRO—Patent Claims: SPECIFICATION of DESIGNS and DRAWINGS.” From pages 1 through 13 (of the RULES), six games are described: 4-SCORE-PRO (Omaha Shoot Out), 4-SCORE-PRO II (Las Vegas Shoot Out), 4-SCORE-PRO MAX, 4-SCORE-PRO SEQ, 4-SCORE WIZARD, and 4-SCORE-PRO-30 Something. Other versions of the game include 3-SCORE-PRO and 2-SCORE-PRO.

Abstract: Various embodiments include determining a value of a statistic describing cards that have been dealt from a deck, and modifying the rules of a game based on the statistic.

Abstract: A novel method of game play and circular game components that in one embodiment are in the form of trading poker-style game chips. Wherein some of the game chips utilize both circular sides with different non-matching game effecting indicia allowing for two-sides of play, and combined with the associated rules of play being determinative of how the two-sided game chips attack, defend, are flipped, linked, moved, placed, stacked, and stunned, on a playing surface designed for the game. In one form, the circular game components comprise of life, enhancement, action, and super chips, with each player utilizing the variety of chips to build playing stacks, which involves purchase, trading, collecting and careful examination of the chips to create winning strategy combinations.

Abstract: Shooting targets, including teaching targets, target assemblies and associated systems are disclosed herein. One aspect of the disclosure is directed to target systems and assemblies for effectively teaching and practicing shot placement on animal shapes for improving hunting skills. In a particular embodiment, a shooting target assembly includes a backer having at least a first target image. The backer may include a substrate and a first print layer. The target image, including at least a first animal shape, may be at least partially defined by the first print layer. The assembly may also include a replacement label sized to cover a target region of the first target image. The replacement label may include a label print layer that at least partially defines a region of the animal shape. The replacement label may also include an illustration of a first organ structure.

Abstract: A method of playing a trivia game includes the step of registering a plurality of players to participate in the trivia game. Then, providing a clue to the plurality of players and receiving an answer from each player participating in the trivia game. Next, eliminating players associated with an incorrect answer and allowing players associated with a correct answer to continue participating in the trivia game. The steps of providing the clue, receiving the answer and eliminating players are repeated until one of only one player who provided correct answers remains before the trivia game ended, at least one player who provided correct answers remains when the trivia game ended and all registered players have been eliminated before the trivia game ended.

Abstract: A seal assembly having a seal bumper wall with a series of pyramid shaped formations lying on the bumper wall. The formations cause their apex portion to wear down rapidly in use, while the remainder of the pyramids remain and act as slingers and/or produce a convection effect to reduce temperature along the sealed area. In another embodiment, there are two each pyramid shaped formations located on each of several thrust bumpers, which are held in position by a retainer.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a bearing seal not only whose sealing performance is favorable in normal time, but also whose sealing performance can be prevented from being deteriorated when subjected to vibration caused by impact. A bearing seal includes: a ring-shaped outer seal portion 51; a ring-shaped inner seal portion 52 provided inside the outer seal portion 51; a connecting portion 53 for connecting the inner seal portion 52 and the outer seal portion 51; and an inner ring 60 provided at the connecting portion 53. The outer seal portion 51, the inner seal portion 52, and the connecting portion 53 are integrally formed of the same material consisting of an elastic material.

Abstract: A face seal fitting between two conduits which define an axial flow path is disclosed. The conduits have annular noses projecting from the ends which engage the opposite surfaces of a metal gasket to make engagement. The gasket has a first outer region with surfaces perpendicular to the axial flow path, a second beveled sealing region for engagement with the noses and a third inner region which defines a restrictive orifice.

Abstract: The collet reduction serves for inserting into a collet receptacle of a machine tool and fastening by means of a fastening nut. It is provided on its outer side, between its part on the machine side and its part on the tool side, with receiving means for receiving an element which surrounds it in an annular manner. The fastening nut engages on this element and pulls the reduction out of the receptacle during unscrewing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling air flow in a level control system for a motor vehicle. Two air flow intervals are indicated for controlling air flow. The first air flow interval I1 is located entirely within air flow interval I2. If the air flow in the level control system is located outside air flow interval I2, an automatic adjustment is made in air flow interval I2. If the air flow is still located outside air flow interval I1 and within second air flow interval I2, the air flow is adjusted to the first air flow interval I1 exclusively when the motor vehicle is in operation.

Abstract: A variable rear wheel toe angle control system for a vehicle that can appropriately control a rear wheel toe angle without detecting a turning movement of the vehicle. Because the rear wheel toe angle can be appropriately controlled according to acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle, the turning and straight traveling performance of the vehicle can be improved. In particular, if the acceleration is computed from an output of an accelerator pedal sensor and/or an output of the brake pedal sensor, the response delay is minimized, and a favorable handling of the vehicle can be achieved. Also, the variable toe angle control may be used for favorably compensating for the change in the toe angle owing to the tendency of the vehicle to nose lift in acceleration and nose dive in deceleration caused by geometry of a rear suspension system, thereby enhancing freedom in design of the rear suspension system.

Abstract: A ski includes a ski main body and two shock resistant protecting plates attached to front and rear ends of the main body. The protecting plates are made of material having high structure strength and high hardness. The ski main body forms a front mounting slot and a rear mounting slot. One protecting plate is mounted in the front mounting slot with an outer portion thereof extending out of the front mounting slot, and the other protecting plate is mounted in the rear mounting slot with an outer portion thereof extending out of the rear mounting slot. The provision of the protecting plates improve shock resistance of the ski. The protecting plates are assembled to the ski main body using special method to form a united member, thus providing the ski with both good appearance and high shock resistant, and can be employed in skis of any kind and specification.

Abstract: A golf travel bag has a bag and a foldable mini-cart. The bag holds a fully populated golf bag and has a side and a bottom. The foldable mini-cart is attached to the bag and has a longitudinal frame and a foldable wheel assembly. The longitudinal frame is attached to the side and the bottom of the bag. The foldable wheel assembly is attached to the longitudinal frame at a selectable angle and has a frame, at least one latch assembly and at least two wheels. The latch assembly holds the foldable wheel assembly at an angle relative to the longitudinal frame. The wheels allow the golf travel bag to be moved easily.

Abstract: The installation of equipment such as large medical autoclaves requires movement of the equipment from the palletized shipping container to the final installation point in a typically medical facility. In the past, methods used to move the equipment involved major dis-assembly of the associated piping, electrical, and control components typically found inside and adjacent to the equipment. Once the unit was stripped of external components, the main portion of the unit would be jacked and blocked until it was free of the shipping pallet. It would then be moved by devices not intended for moving medical equipment. The aforementioned methods were commonly time-consuming, prone to damage the equipment, and presented safety hazards to the installation contractors. The following claim describes a device, hereafter known as “Glaser Transport” that is designed for controlled lifting, moving, and lowering of large equipment, typically medical autoclaves, medical sterilizers, and other large non-typical equipment.

Abstract: A support apparatus for transporting a load on a hand truck in a safe and balanced manner includes a base which is disposed generally horizontally when the hand truck is employed for transporting such load and a pivot means for pivotally connecting a first end of the base to the axle intermediate the pair of wheels of the hand truck. Two auxiliary wheels are attached to an opposed second end of the base. A frame support is disposed generally vertically when the hand truck is employed for transporting such load and has a first end thereof connected to the base and has a second end thereof abutting the portion of the hand truck. A brace has a first end thereof connected to the base adjacent to and spaced from the first end of the base and has a second end thereof connected to the frame support adjacent to and spaced from the first end thereof.

Abstract: The invention is a combination mobile tool caddy and seat for performing work adapted for use by a tradesman such as an electrician, plumber, carpenter and the like. The wheeled mobile caddy includes a rigid frame having a lower and an upper support member vertically separated by upright corner members. The lower support member extends beyond the upper support member to form a platform area upon which a cylindrical vessel or bucket can be stored. The bucket is equipped with a liner having pockets for storing hand tools. Four caster wheels are appropriately attached to the lower support member so that the caddy can be wheeled from a service vehicle to a specific job site having stored therein the tradesman's tools, as well as necessary material supplies to perform daily job functions.

Abstract: A link assembly comprising a shaft provided with a positioning surface that includes threads, an arm coupler including an interfacing assembly and a pair of grommet contacting members, wherein the interfacing assembly includes an interfacing member that receives the positioning surface and inner and outer grommets that are provided with inner surfaces that receive the interfacing member, and the pair of grommet contacting members includes an inner grommet contacting member that receives the positioning surface shaft and contacts the inner grommet and an outer grommet contacting member that receives the positioning surface and contacts the outer grommet.

Abstract: A protective curtain assembly for an associated fluid suspension system of an associated vehicle includes a section of curtain material and a first securement device securing the second of material along at least a portion of the associated suspension system. A suspension system including a protective curtain is also described.

Abstract: To provide a fender structure for a motorcycle for preventing muddy water or the like running off a rear fender from being splashed on a muffler. A fender structure for a motorcycle is provided with an engine and wheels suspended therefrom. A fender covers the upper portion of the wheel and extends downwardly on the right and left sides. A muffler is positioned below at least one of the right and left edge portions of the fender. The fender structure includes a folded-back portion extending towards the inner side of the muffler from the corresponding edge portion of the fender.

Abstract: A deployable step and body-side assembly including a step body-side structure, one or more link assemblies, and an actuator. The step body-side structure is attached to the vehicle by the link assemblies. Each link assembly includes a carrier, an extending arm, a first link, a second link, a first rotating arm, and a second rotating arm. The carrier is attached to the step body-side structure and pivotally attached to the extending arm. The extending arm is pivotally attached to the vehicle by the first link and the second link so as to move the step body-side structure in an inboard direction and an outboard direction. The first rotating arm and second rotating arm rotate the step body-side structure, with the carrier pivotally attached to the vehicle by first rotating arm. The second rotating arm is pivotally attached to the first rotating arm, as well as the extending arm, the first link, and/or the second link. The step body-side structure is moved between the stored and deployed positions by an actuator.

Abstract: A self-attaching pump includes a cylinder, a nozzle attached to the cylinder, a piston installed in the cylinder, a rod connected to the piston, a handle with a first end and an opposite second end, a fastener for pivotally connecting the second end of the handle to the rod and a stressing device arranged on the cylinder for stressing the self-attaching pump. There are defined a first value for the distance between the fastener and the first end of the handle, a second value for the length of the elastic element when the stressing does not stress the self-attaching pump and a third value for the distance between the piston and the nozzle when the first end of the handle reaches the stressing device while the stressing device does not stress the self-attaching pump. The first value is larger than the second value that is larger than the third value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pedal scooter for kids, adults, and physically challenged people who enjoy riding scooter for fun and exercise. The pedal scooter is light weight, simple in use, durable, and configured to be driven by two riders at the same time. The pedal scooter comprises: a platform; a seating arrangement coupled to the platform; a steering arrangement disposed on the platform, the steering arrangement enabling the pedal scooter to be maneuvered; and a drive mechanism configured to operationally propel the pedal scoter. The pedal scooter enables a first rider to sit on the seating arrangement, and propel the pedal scooter in a forward direction by operating the drive mechanism, and a second rider to stand on the platform and maneuver the pedal scooter in a desired direction using the steering arrangement.

Abstract: A multi-speed system configured to increase the speed or decrease the pedaling effort of a lever propelled bicycle. The multi-speed system is composed of a manual control device 70 mounted on the frame close to the riders hand placement on the handle bars and other connected components configured to change wheel rotation per pedal. It has the ability to transfer manual force to the transmission means to change propulsion speed and effort. Depressing its control lever 2 down will allow the rider to increase in speed and lifting its control lever 2 up would allow the rider to decrease pedaling effort.

Abstract: A steering damper mounting structure of a vehicle includes a head pipe, a front fork, a fork bridge, and a steering damper. The front fork, which suspends a front wheel, is steerably disposed on the head pipe. The fork bridge connects left and right members of the front fork. The steering damper is mounted on the fork bridge and the head pipe. The steering damper dampens a steering directional movement transmitted from a road surface to a handlebar via the front wheel and the front fork. A lower mounting portion on a side of the head pipe is disposed on a side of an axis as a center of pivotal motion of the front fork relative to the fork bridge, more specifically, an upper mounting portion on a side of the top bridge. The resulting configuration reduces the size of a front portion of a vehicle and a steering damper.

Abstract: A steering damper ensures a wide longitudinal illumination range of a road surface when a light unit is provided and facilitates layout of parts and simplifies structure without degrading appearance. A steering damper mounting structure is provided for a vehicle, which includes a head pipe, a front fork, a fork bridge, and a steering damper. The steering damper is mounted on the fork bridge and the head pipe. The steering damper dampens a movement transmitted from a side of the front wheel to a handlebar. In this steering damper mounting structure, the steering damper is mounted to the head pipe and the top bridge and disposed on the side of the top bridge between the top bridge and the bottom bridge. Additionally, a light unit is disposed on the side of the bottom bridge between the top bridge and the bottom bridge.

Abstract: A bicycle frame is provided in which the head tube, top tube and down tube are constructed as a single structural unit with the ends of the top tube and down tube left open to allow for ease of molding.

Abstract: A bicycle frame provided with increased stiffness in one direction without increasing the stiffness in another direction. In particular, a bicycle frame is provided that increases the stiffness in the lateral direction while not increasing the stiffness in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An aerodynamic bicycle frame is described. In one embodiment, the aerodynamic bicycle frame comprises a head tube; a top tube, a first end of the top tube being connected with the head tube; a down tube, a first end of the down tube being connected with the head tube; a pair of seat stays connected with a second end of the top tube; and a one-part arcuate tube joining an upper region of the pair of seat stays and a second end of the down tube, the one-part arcuate tube being curved longitudinally toward the head tube so as to conform to a curvature of a rear bicycle wheel, the one-part arcuate tube shielding an angular section of the rear bicycle wheel from aerodynamic turbulence to reduce the net aerodynamic drag on the frame.

Abstract: A bicycle frame with a counter-rotating four bar linkage system includes a front frame section, a rear frame section, and a shock absorber. The front frame section includes a top tube, a head tube, a seat tube, a bottom bracket, a down tube and a pivoting base formed on the down tube near the bottom bracket. The rear frame section is connected pivotally to the front frame section and has two seat stays, two chain stays, two dropouts, a connecting member, an upper linkage member, a lower linkage member and a parabolic virtual pivot (PVP). The PVP moves in a forwardly and upwardly parabolic trajectory and the dropouts of the rear frame section move in a nearly vertical trajectory when the rear frame section is pivoting.

Abstract: A dual mode wheelchair (300) providing both a manoeuvrable indoor mode and a travel mode. The wheelchair (300) comprises fore wheels (104) mounted on a fore axis (105) and rear wheels (102) mounted on a rear axis (103). A distance between the fore axis (105) and the rear axis (103) defines a wheelbase of the wheelchair (300). The wheelbase is alterable between a short wheelbase providing a manoeuvrable mode of the wheelchair (300) and a long wheelbase providing a travel mode of the wheelchair (300). The wheelchair (300) further provides a lowered centre of gravity and a reclining position in the travel mode to provide improved stability and occupant security.

Abstract: An embodiment of a vehicle skid plate comprises a pivot mechanism typically comprising either the resilient plate itself or a hinge, the pivot mechanism being adapted to couple to a vehicle and provide protection to the vehicle's rear suspension linkage. The skid plate may also protect the vehicle frame rails, undercarriage, and downtube, among other vehicle components. The linkage is protected typically by the skid plate substantially continually contacting at least a portion of the linkage. The skidplate may also incorporate a hinge.

Abstract: Towing adjustment and coupling techniques may include a retentive lateral trailer adjustment device of a trailer (1) configured to provide lateral adjustment of the trailer (1). In some embodiments, a trailer (1) may include a coupler element (3) and at least one retentive lateral adjustment device configured to provide adjustment in a lateral direction (8) of the coupler element (3). Embodiments may have configurations directed to couplers such as a gooseneck hitch, a fifthwheel hitch, and a pull-type or tongue hitch. Embodiments may also provide a fore-aft position indicator (44) with or without a fore-aft position sensor (50) through which proper positioning of a source of tow power (54) relative to a trailer (1) may be facilitated in a fore-aft direction (7). Corresponding methods are included as embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A trailer coupling for tractive vehicles, in particular agricultural tractors, consisting of two vertical guidance cheeks (7), fitted with lateral spacing to the rear of the vehicle, the guidance cheeks including vertical slots (7a) and a bearing member (11) held detachably at the lower end region of the guidance cheeks, on which a coupling member (12) is arranged for attaching an implement. In the case of a prior art trailer coupling, all forces transmitted from the attached implement to the coupling member used, a ball coupling (12) for example, are conducted via the bearing member (11) into the guidance cheeks (7). Thus this involves the undesirable necessity of having to dimension the guidance cheeks in a robust manner, which in turn leads to space problems within the tailend region of the vehicle. Therefore a trailer coupling is to be created which reduces the load on the guidance cheeks (7), when the forces of the attached implement are conducted into the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A strap for a mechanical closure device is disclosed. The strap includes a wire disposed along a longitudinal axis of the strap. The wire maintains the strap in a desired geometry that is different from a previous geometry of the strap. In other embodiments, a wire-core strap can include transverse ridges, holes, or other types of grooves or apertures.