Abstract: A walk-behind lawn mower includes at least one of: (a) a latch assembly for receiving a folded-up sulky for storage during transport and the like; (b) inboard mounted control rods extending downwardly from a handle control assembly area of the mower, so that actuator shafts for the hydraulic pumps are located on inboard sides of the pumps so as to oppose one another; (c) a handle control assembly for allowing the mower to be operated in an efficient manner with operator comfort during turns and the like; and/or (d) a pump lock-out system including a lever(s) for actuating both a braking force to be applied to at least one wheel of the mower and a pump lock-out system for causing the pumps to be locked in a neutral position.

Abstract: A wheeled cart, such as a shopping cart, has ski elements on the wheels thereof. The ski elements can be moved between stored and use positions.

Abstract: A front wheel assembly for baby strollers includes a positioning member connected to a front frame of the stroller and a connection unit is inserted into the positioning member. A connection piece has two ends respectively inserted into the positioning member and a connection member to which the front wheels are connected. Two pins extend through two inclined guide slots in a button in the insertion of the connection unit and are engaged with an annular groove of the connection piece so as to connect the positioning member and the connection member. When the button is pushed downward, the two pins are guide to separated in opposite directions so that the connection member together with the connection piece can be removed from the positioning member.

Abstract: A dolly which is removably attachable to a bucket which is used for construction work such as retaining tile grout or is used for gardening. The attachment device has one section which can be press fit onto the bottom of the bucket so that the bucket can be rolled and a second section which can be press fit onto the top of the bucket so that the bucket is sealed to prevent its contents from drying out. The device also has an optional seating platform to support accessory items to be used with the bucket.

Abstract: A magnetic motor axle for magnetically augmenting the propulsion efficiency and duration of a skateboard is disclosed. The magnetic motor axle includes a truck for mounting on a step board of a skateboard. Multiple truck magnets are provided in the truck. An elongated rotor assembly is rotatably mounted in the truck, and multiple rotor magnets are provided on the rotor assembly. As the rotor assembly rotates in the truck, the truck magnets magnetically repel the respective rotor magnets to augment the torque of the rotor assembly. As least one drive wheel is drivingly engaged by the rotor assembly to drive the skateboard on a surface.

Abstract: An improved vehicle sway control assembly designed to limit excessive side swaying of an axle of a vehicle during all driving conditions. The system utilizes two frame brackets (77), (97), one axle/spring bracket (129), and two rods (35), (67). The first rod (35) has one end attached to a frame bracket (77) and the other end to the axle/spring bracket (129). It incorporates a telescoping feature allowing the rod end nearest the frame bracket (77) to telescope. The second rod (67) is attached on the opposite side to a frame bracket (97) on one end and a mid section plate (34) on the telescoping rod (35) on the other end. The counter rotational arch of the second rod (67) will force the telescoping rod (35) to extend thus canceling the telescoping rod (35) arch curve travel if it were a solid rod. The overall design will limit axle (166) to frame (78) side movement while providing near straight vertical axle (166) travel.

Abstract: A suspension bushing is provided in a connection between a lower arm supporting a drive front wheel and a subframe. The suspension bushing includes an inner cylindrical portion secured to the subframe, an outer cylindrical portion secured to the lower arm, and a rubber resilient member joining the inner and outer cylindrical portions. A protrusion, provided on the rubber resilient member as a region receiving a load during acceleration of the vehicle, is arranged to have a greater spring constant than a portion of the rubber resilient member surrounding a second opening section provided as a region receiving a load during braking of the vehicle.

Abstract: A suspension strut top mount having a bearing connection onto a vehicle body and a spring retainer for a vehicle support. The spring retainer is set obliquely relative to a central axis of a suspension strut. The suspension strut top mount further has an obliquely set bearing arranged between the bearing connection and the spring retainer and has a bearing input part, which is associated with the bearing connection, and a bearing output part, which is associated with the spring retainer. A stop buffer, which is arranged concentrically to the central axis of the suspension strut, comes into contact on a cylinder-end surface of the suspension strut in a defined spring compression position. The stop buffer has an effective connection to the bearing output part of the bearing.

Abstract: A suspension system for the front wheel of single wheeled vehicles having a single front wheel, such as bicycles, tricycles and motorcycles. The suspension system consists of a frame with a variable arrangement of the steering points using at least one swingable arm, multiple fork joints at least one of which is designed as a two-part fork joint that provides for variable distances between the steering axis, and a telescopic fork connected to the front wheel and which has at least three parts so that the front wheel is guided through the entire system whether partly or fully sprung.

Abstract: A suspension system that requires minimal or no welding and can be easily adapted for use with a variety of frame configurations without adversely affecting the frame integrity. One embodiment includes a top bearing (21), a base bearing (31), an upper clamp (19), and a strut (41). The bearing inserts may be secured with conventional fastening means, for example, adhesives or screws. In one embodiment, a lower spring seat may be secured with a snap ring and heat sensitive materials may be used. Thus, the suspension systems may, if welding is necessary, be installed using standard frame welding practice without the need for extraordinary or special fixtures or procedures. Options are thus now available in component material selection and suspension configuration which have previously been limited because of the heat of welding. This frame integral technology may be used with only minor changes to current fabrication practices.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle includes a number of assemblies, including converging links and a slide assembly, that effectively places the pivot point for the trailer ahead of the actual hitch assembly, which in turn enhances the stability of the combination tow vehicle and trailer, rendering it less susceptible to swaying or fishtailing.

Abstract: A coupling device that requires no manual actuation to achieve coupling features a locking bolt movable along a hole extending into a mouth of a hook body to secure a coupling pin therein. A control lever pivotally connected to the locking bolt opposite the mouth end is biased toward a locked position in which motion of the locking bolt is blocked. To engage the coupling pin and the hook mouth, the coupling pin and an operable pin extending through the hollow locking bolt are brought into contact. This causes an end of the operable pin opposite the mouth to push against the control lever to unlock it from the latching position. The coupling pin pushes the locking bolt out of the mouth so that it can pass by further into it, at which point the lever and bolt return to the locked positions to secure the coupling pin inside.

Abstract: This foldable chassis for baby carriages comprises two rear wheels (1) and (2), a front rolling support (3), and a U-shaped handlebar (4) being at the end of each of its branches (5) and (6) fitted to a respective lateral member (7) and (8), each of said lateral members being at its upper end (9) linked in a pin-jointed connection to a respective armrest (10) and (11), each of said armrests being in its turn linked in a pin-jointed connection (12) to the respective branch of the handlebar.

Abstract: A seat rotating device for a baby stroller includes a rotation unit connected to an underside of the seat and two insertions on two sides of an underside of the rotation unit are inserted into a positioning unit. The rotation unit has a disk and the seat is connected to the disk. The disk has a plurality of positioning holes defined in a periphery thereof. The disk is pivotably connected to a base by a shaft extending through a center of the disk and the base. The base has two wings and the two insertions are inserted into the wings. Each wing has a biasing member inserted therein which his connected with a cable. The biasing member is inserted into one of the positioning holes to position the disk and the seat at an angle.

Abstract: Mobility assist devices for moving an individual with limited mobility, or allowing such an individual to move himself or herself, include: a substantially-rigid frame or body assembly having sufficient strength to support the weight of the individual; a plurality of lockable/brakeable rolling members attached to the substantially-rigid frame or body assembly; and a seat member attached to the substantially-rigid frame or body assembly, wherein the seat member includes a seat bottom member and a deployable seat back member that is selectively adjustable from at least a first upright position to a second reclined position, wherein in the second reclined position the seat bottom member and the deployable seat back member are substantially collinear, thereby functioning as a ramp that facilitates loading/unloading of the individual into/out of the seat member and the mobility assist device.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an air bag device for an occupant seated in a rearmost seat. The air bag device includes an air bag, which is accommodated at the rear end portion of the roof of the vehicle in a folded state, and an inflator, which supplies gas to the air bag. The air bag is unfolded downward to be inflated between the rearmost seat and a rear window glass. The air bag device has several functions to effectively protect an occupant seated in the rearmost seat, such as a function to apply a predetermined tension to the inflated air bag, a function to properly restrict the thickness of the air bag, and a function to properly control the unfolding direction of the air bag.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device includes a seat mounted within a passenger compartment of the vehicle, in which the seat is movably connected to a vehicle frame by a seat position adjusting mechanism that allows the seat to move along an axis between a forward-most position and a rearward-most position. An air-bag is mounted within the passenger compartment in front of the forward-most position of the seat, with the forward-most position of the seat defined as a position of the seat in which a distance between a passenger seated in the seat and the air-bag is equal to a minimum safe clearance.

Abstract: A ventilation device for a vehicle includes an instrument panel having a front passenger region with a front instrument panel wall region facing a windshield and a rear instrument panel wall region as a potential head-impact instrument panel wall region. An individual vent air-feeding duct, which is covered by the instrument panel, extends below the potential head-impact instrument panel wall region and extends there essentially in a direction of the transverse axis of the vehicle. A front passenger airbag module can therefore be positioned away from the potential head-impact region in a free space formed in front of the individual vent air-feeding duct. The front instrument panel wall region has, at least in some regions, air passage openings for a diffuse ventilation of the vehicle interior. Starting from the individual vent air-feeding duct, at least one branch duct is guided to a region below the air passage openings.

Abstract: An airbag and an airbag apparatus are provided which can absorb an impact to be applied to an occupant sufficiently. An airbag includes a right airbag section to be inflated at the right side ahead of the occupant, a left airbag section to be inflated at the left side ahead of the occupant, and a rear chamber communicating between the base ends of the right airbag section and the left airbag section. In a state in which the airbag is inflated, an extending member such as a tie panel does not exist between the tip portions of the right airbag section and the left airbag section, and a space formed between the tip portions of the bags opens toward the occupant. The left airbag section has a larger capacity having a larger lateral width in the inflated state.

Abstract: A volume-filling mechanical structure for modifying a crash including: a bolster system defined by an outer bolster and an inner bolster; a honeycomb celled material expandable from a dormant state to a deployed state, the honeycomb celled material disposed intermediate the outer and inner bolsters cooperatively positioned with the honeycomb celled material to cover surfaces defining the honeycomb celled material in the deployed and dormant states; a means for deploying the honeycomb celled material from the dormant state to the deployed state causing the outer bolster to translate away from the inner bolster; and a tether operably connecting one end of the honeycomb celled material to the means for deploying the honeycomb celled material from the dormant state to the deployed state.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gas generator for an airbag having an igniter includes the steps of: providing, in the igniter, an integrated circuit including a memory unit for activating the igniter upon receipt of an external signal; attaching the igniter to a gas generator housing of the gas generator; and storing, in the memory unit, information indicative of an identity of the gas generator after said attaching step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas flow distributor for a lateral airbag module. The distributor is used to distribute a gas flow leaving a gas generator by the outflow openings thereof, in a targeted manner, in a gas bag which is to be inflated by the gas generator. According to an embodiment, the gas flow distributor is formed by a dimensionally stable receiving element surrounding outflow openings of the gas generator.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes an inflatable occupant protection device (12) and a support member (40) having a vent opening (50) through which inflation fluid may flow. The apparatus (10) also includes a mechanism (58) for controlling a flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening (50). Inflation fluid pressure within the inflatable occupant protection device (12) tends to move the mechanism (58) for increasing a flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening (50). The mechanism (58) is responsive to inflation of the inflatable occupant protection device (12) beyond a predetermined distance for restricting the flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening (50). The apparatus (10) further includes a locking member (96) for blocking the mechanism (58) from increasing the flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening (50) after the inflatable occupant protection device (12) has inflated beyond the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A gas bag module includes a gas bag, a gas generator, a first and a second fastening element, a section of the gas bag being fastened between the first and the second fastening elements, and a discharge opening for diverting gas generated by the gas generator and introduced into the gas bag. The discharge opening can be brought from a closed state into an opened state and comprises at least one opening in the first and in the second fastening elements. A section of the gas bag extends over the discharge opening in the closed state and the gas bag is exposed towards an interior of the gas bag in a region of the discharge opening. Means are provided which partially destroy the gas bag in the region of the discharge opening, in order to uncover the discharge opening.

Abstract: An inflator is located inside an airbag of airbag device for supplying inflation gas. The inflator includes a substantially cylindrical body for generating inflation gas, and a substantially tubular retainer made of sheet metal to be mounted around the body for holding the body by fastening a fastening portion. The retainer includes mounting bolts for mounting the airbag to a predetermined mounting position. The retainer includes a fastening portion, a first support portion and a second support portion which are arranged in order along axial direction of the body to abut against a circumference of the body. The fastening portion and the second support portion are located in a substantially opposite area from the first support portion in the circumference of the body based on a center of a cross section of the body taken perpendicularly to the axial direction of the body as the retainer holds the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rider restricting device of a two-wheeled vehicle which is easily applicable to a small-sized vehicle and, at the same time, can absorb a frontward load and alleviate a load applied to a rider. The rider restricting device has left and right knee portion pads such that a pad support member for each mounts to a connecting member such that a load absorbing member is mounted in either the pad support member or the connecting member.

Abstract: When feedback control is carried out to ensure that the drive torque of an electric motor for driving each wheel of a vehicle should be equal to a motor torque instruction value, micro-vibration is applied to each tire by superposing a micro-vibration signal to a drive signal for the above electric motor to change the slip ratio-friction characteristics themselves of the tire to control friction force between the tire and the surface of a road, thereby controlling the running performance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering column apparatus, includes: a fixed column member having a vehicle body attachment portion to be attached to a vehicle body; a column head supported by the fixed column member movably in a direction of a center shaft of the fixed column member; a wheel shaft, rotatably supported by the column head, for fixing a steering wheel to an end thereof; a column clamp, provided in the column head, for putting the column head into a state in which the column head is clamped to or unclamped from the fixed column member; an operation lever having a rocking shaft in the column head; and a mechanical transmission apparatus for transmitting a rocking motion of the operation lever to the column clamp.

Abstract: A steering column locking mechanism 130 includes a piston 176 located in a chamber in a housing 178. The locking mechanism 130 is in an engaged condition locking the steering column 10 against movement relative to a frame of a vehicle when the piston 176 is in a first position (FIG. 2). The locking mechanism 130 is in a disengaged condition in which the locking mechanism is ineffective to lock the steering column 10 when the piston is in a second position (FIG. 3). The first pressure is continuously applied to a relatively small area on a first side 256 of the piston 176 to retain the piston in the first position and to retain the locking mechanism 130 in the engaged condition. Pressure is applied to a relatively large area on a second side 272 of the piston 176 to move the piston from the first position to the second position against the influence of the first pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system provides the seat occupant with options for three-point, four-point and five-point seat belt configurations. In one embodiment, the restraint system includes two three-point seat belt systems arranged as mirror images and a two position buckle located along the center line of the seat cushion.

Abstract: A vehicle structure is provided with a vehicle seatbelt restraining apparatus. The vehicle structure includes a lower vehicle portion and an upper vehicle portion. The vehicle seatbelt restraining apparatus includes a lower seatbelt anchor, an upper seatbelt anchor, a seatbelt webbing and a biasing element. The lower seatbelt anchor is pivotally coupled to the lower vehicle portion to move between a passenger securing orientation and a retracted non-use orientation. The upper seatbelt anchor is configured and arranged to be mounted to the upper vehicle portion. The seatbelt webbing has a first end coupled to the lower seatbelt anchor and a second end coupled to the upper seatbelt anchor. The biasing element is operatively coupled to the lower seatbelt anchor to urge the lower seatbelt anchor into the retracted non-use orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a safety belt arrangement with a belt webbing, a belt buckle and one of an end- and deflection fitting. The restraint system further comprises two tracks with which a vehicle seat is connected and which, for displacement of the vehicle seat, are constructed for engagement into counter-tracks fixed to a floor of the vehicle. An elongated, rigid fastening element is provided which extends beneath the seat between the tracks and which is connected with both of the tracks. At least one belt tensioner is mounted to the fastening element.

Abstract: A manually operated tool engages and draws towards one another opposed spaced flanges of a repair clamp disposed about a leaking pipe for moving the clamp into position and securely maintaining the clamp on the pipe over the leak allowing plural nut and bolt combinations on the clamp to be tightened in sealing off the leak. A movable handle has attached thereto first and second pivoting arms adapted for respectively engaging a slot within the clamp's first edge flange and the outer edge of the clamp's second opposed edge flange when the handle is in a first non-use position. Moving the handle to a second use position urges the clamp's edge flanges toward one another drawing the clamp securely about the pipe, allowing the clamp's nut and bolt combinations to be tightened. The tool is adjustable for use with a wide range of clamp sizes and pipe diameters.

Abstract: An electrical isolation connector subassembly for interconnecting adjacent tubular drill rods of a drilling system used in drilling bore holes in earth formations, the connector comprising an electrically insulative sleeve being sandwiched between two electrically isolated subassembly components, the sleeve providing an exterior gap between the edges of the spaced apart electrically isolated components, the exterior gap having a width of less than 50 cm.

Abstract: An apparatus according to this invention for carrying hydraulic fluid in a power assisted automotive steering system, includes a tube having a tube wall formed with a first port that extends though a thickness of the tube wall. A housing includes a wall formed with a second port extending though a thickness of the housing wall. A retainer is secured to the housing. A fluid transfer line includes a first surface that contacts an outer surface of the tube, is formed with a passage communicating with the first port, is sealed against fluid flow past the first surface, and is secured to an outer surface of the tube. A second surface contacting the retainer is formed with a passage communicating with the second port, is sealed against fluid flow past the second surface, and is secured to the housing by the retainer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling for a spiral wire flexible hose. The coupling includes a ring clamp configured as a clamping jaw and including at least two partial shells enclosing a sleeve of the spiral wire flexible hose. The ring clamp has an inner contour having a spiral to receive a spiral wire flexible hose in a positive locking engagement. The hose is adapted to receive a spout therein. The spiral extends up to a protrusion situated at the end of the ring clamp. The spout is clamped such that the spout is axially immovable.

Abstract: A compression fitting for rigid or semi-rigid pipes comprising an internal element 11 onto which the pipe 12 is fitted and into which at least one circumferential groove 13 is machined and an external sleeve 20 usually cylindrical is positioned around the pipe and intended to be deformed by radial compression to push the wall of the pipe inside said groove. The external wall of the sleeve 20 bears a circumferential protruding bead 22 in line with its area which is found in line with the groove of the internal element with interposition of the wall of the pipe, so that the compression of the sleeve by action of a cylindrical pressing wall 30 acts on the bead to deform the sleeve with the purpose of pushing the wall of the pipe inside the groove of the internal element.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling having a clip, a port having an interior annular groove adapted to support the clip, a forward cylinder, a rear cylinder, and a first transition ramp, and defines a port peak distance. The coupling also has a sealing element. Additionally, the coupling also has a stem having a male connection portion including a forward annular seal groove adapted to receive the sealing element, an annular lead-in surface, a leading support cylindrical surface, a following support cylindrical surface, a camming ramp, and defines a stein peak distance. The port has an intermediate cylinder between the forward cylinder and the rear cylinder and has a second transition ramp between the forward cylinder and the intermediate cylinder and the male connection portion has a centering ramp and an intermediate support cylindrical surface between the leading support cylindrical surface and the following support cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A structure connects a first member and a second member. The first member has a peripheral wall portion that includes a stepped portion that is engaged with the second member. The peripheral wall portion is a deformed portion that is deformed inwardly of the stepped portion of the first member. The deformed portion has a thin shape that is provided by a cut section of the peripheral wall portion.

Abstract: A mechanical latch assembly includes a supporting frame, a locking latch, an actuation arrangement and a safety lock arrangement. The locking latch is slidably mounted on the supporting frame in longitudinally movable manner. The actuation arrangement includes an actuation handle pivotally connected to the supporting frame to longitudinally drive the locking latch moving between a locked position an unlocked position. Moreover, the safety lock arrangement includes a locker member movably mounted on the supporting frame, wherein the locker member has a slider slot formed thereon to define a pusher surface and an opposed retracting surface, and a thermal activated arm substantially extended from the supporting frame to slidably pass through the slider slot of the locker member at a safety temperature, and adapted to deflect to push the locker member at the pusher surface at an elevated operation temperature.

Abstract: A tamper-proof seal is disclosed for use in connection with sterilization containers. The seal includes a body portion including a sterilization indicating material and a tongue extending from the body portion. The tongue may be in the form of a laminate consisting of a pair of substantially inert outer layers sandwiching a high shrink inner layer. The tongue is designed to engage the latch mechanism of a sterilization container when the container is in the closed position and the latch mechanism is in a latched position. Upon exposure of the container to sterilization conditions, the tongue shrinks, causing the outer layers to fold upon themselves to form at least one pleat. The container latch mechanism cannot be opened without fracturing the tongue of the seal, thereby providing visible evidence of the latch mechanism being opened.

Abstract: A contractible shape memory alloy (SMA) wire is used to throw a lever in a latch. The SMA actuator provides weight and space savings. In one embodiment, the SMA actuator is incorporated in the handle of the latch in order to provide a child lock or double lock function. The handle has a lever which includes a relatively short slot leg and a relatively long slot leg. A toggle sits in the slot. At least one SMA wire is connected to the toggle to move it between the relatively short slot leg, wherein the lever is prevented from pivoting, and the relatively long slot leg, where the lever is enabled to pivot. In another embodiment, the SMA actuator is embedded in the latch itself, and used to throw a lever that controls the child lock function.

Abstract: A door lock includes a panel, a base plate, and a middle plate. A handle and a thumb-turn are rotatably mounted on the panel, wherein the thumb-turn has a first spindle mounted on the middle plate and engaged with the thumb-turn, an upper cam mounted on a rear end of the first spindle. The handle has a second spindle mounted on the middle plate and engaged with the handle, and a lower cam with two shoulders mounted on a rear end of the second spindle. A linking sheet is provided between the middle plate and the base plate and has two legs each having a foot pushed by the respective shoulder and an upper end pushing the upper cam. Two slots are defined in the legs, and two springs are received in the longitudinal slots and are pressed between first stops and second stops.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening frame (3) for fastening a child seat (1) in motor vehicles that are provided with child seat anchoring elements (5), with which the vehicle is equipped and which are assigned to each vehicle seat while being joined in a fixed manner to the vehicle body and/or to the vehicle seat. Said fastening frame (3, 13) comprises a fastening section (23). Anchoring elements (24) for detachably anchoring the fastening frame (3, 13) to the child seat anchoring elements (5), which are joined in a fixed manner to the vehicle, are connected to one end of said fastening section, and a supporting section (8) is connected to the other end. This supporting section is supported in front of the vehicle seat on the vehicle floor (4) or on vehicle body parts and, when the fastening frame is mounted, the supporting section slopes downward toward the front.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the opening and closing function of a tailgate equipped with a gas lifter includes a sensor for detecting an opened angle of the tailgate from a vehicle body. An Electronic Control Unit receives a detected angle from the sensor and outputs a pressure regulating control signal. A gas lifter regulates the pressure of a cylinder according to the control signal of the Electronic Control Unit.

Abstract: In a sunshade device for the rear door window of an automobile both ends of a sunshade screen rod, to which an end of the sunshade screen wound on the winding roll biased by an elastic member in a frame is fastened, are raised and lowered by a telescopic bar and an actuation arm, which are extended or retracted and erected or tilted through a single driving mechanism assembly including a driving motor, so as to spread or wind the sunshade screen.

Abstract: A rearwardly extending canopy cover for protecting golf bags and golf clubs from rainfall in the rear of golf carts. The canopy cover being adapted to pivotally attach to the golf cart side walls located behind the seat back of the cart. The canopy may be folded to a retracted position allowing access to the golf clubs and extended, providing protection for the golf bag and clubs from rainfall.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle top includes a first roof part, a second roof part adjoining the first roof part in a closed position of the top, and an outer link pivotably connected to the first roof part and to the second roof part. The outer link is connected to the first roof part by a first link mechanism and is disposed on an outer side of the first roof part in the closed position of the top.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved hardware carrier for use in a trim panel assembly, and a method of making the same. To this end, the hardware carrier includes a body having a front and back surface and a seal molded to the front surface of the body for contacting the doorframe structure of a motor vehicle to seal the carrier thereto. A two-shot molding process utilizing a single mold assembly is used to form the carrier, with the body being formed in the first shot and the seal being formed in the second shot so that the seal is bonded thereto. The molded seal advantageously is provided with a non-linear configuration, such as a substantially repeating v-shaped configuration, and includes a planar top surface. The non-linear configuration of the seal, in conjunction with the top planar surface, advantageously provides a substantial surface area for contacting the doorframe to prevent water leakage within the vehicle.

Abstract: A door (6), for example in a vehicle, is mounted at one edge (8) for acurate movement about the axis of a shaft (16), and at the other edge (10) for displacement substantially in the plane of the door opening along rails (26, 28). Thus, on opening, the edge (8) swings outwards from the door opening before moving longitudinally away from the door opening, with the edge (10) being guided along the rails (26 and 28).