Patents Issued in May 15, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080111329
    Abstract: A dolly cart is provided for transporting a load over a supporting surface. The dolly cart includes a support frame having a first and second ends. A wheel assembly is operatively connected to the support frame for supporting the support frame above a supporting surface. A striker element is operatively connected to the first end of the support frame. The striker element is pivotable between a first position wherein the striker element is generally parallel to the supporting surface and second position wherein the striker element is at an acute angle to the supporting surface. A latch mechanism is operatively connected to the second end of the cart. The latch mechanism includes a latch member having a hooked terminal end that partially defines a recess for receiving a portion of a striker element of an adjacent dolly cart therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Edmund W. Brown, Ryan E. Brown
  • Publication number: 20080111330
    Abstract: A two-wheeled cart for carrying snowsports equipment including skis, boots, poles, snowboards, helmets and personal items is disclosed. The cart incorporates a weather-resistant security compartment to serve as a locker for storing street shoes and personal items. The cart has a collapsed mode for compact storage, a narrow-travel mode for use on shuttle buses, and a fully-deployed mode. The mass distribution on a loaded cart is such that the load is balanced, leaving very little vertical load on the user's pulling hand. To secure the cart while it is left unattended, users lock the cart to some structure close to the ski lift by means of an incorporated locking cable and locking mechanism. Additional locking cables provide security against theft of equipment left on the cart. Business methods for renting the carts from ski resort parking lots and other locations are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Martin S. Lurie
  • Publication number: 20080111331
    Abstract: A child transportation system designed to receive and subsequently facilitate transportation of a child and further being configured to produce a plurality of audio and visual stimuli for the child disposed therein. The child transportation system includes a frame superposed on a plurality of wheels having a compartment for receiving a child secured to the frame. Integrally secured to a wall of the compartment is an entertainment unit. The entertainment unit is configured to produce a plurality of audio and visual stimuli utilizing media formats such as but not limited to CDs and DVDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Mark A. Koehl
  • Publication number: 20080111332
    Abstract: To provide the truck which is capable of giving easy assembling and disassembling processes. The truck, comprising the load-carrying blocks 20 under which the casters 40 can be fixed and the long connecting frames 30 which can connect the load-carrying blocks 20, the truck 10 is formed as connecting the load-carrying blocks 20 by the connecting frames 30 and casters 40 are fixed under the load-carrying blocks 20 located at corners thereof, further comprising the retainer 25 covering to retain the first side of a fixing plate 43 of the caster 40 and the pawl engagement section 26 engaging the second side of the fixing plate 43, which is opposite to the first side retained by the retainer 25.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: NITTO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yutaka Nabata
  • Publication number: 20080111333
    Abstract: Low profile motorless vehicles and related methods are disclosed, the vehicles being without a propulsion mechanism, without a steering mechanism other than by shifting body weight and without a braking mechanism and are easy to learn to use and to use, safer to operate and appealing to the full range of humanity including very young children, youth, teenagers, young adults and older adults.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Merrill Oveson, Richard Oveson
  • Publication number: 20080111334
    Abstract: To offer a suspension apparatus for a vehicle with high utility, a suspension apparatus having a damping-force generating device which includes a body-side unit attached so as to project upward from a mount portion formed at a part of the vehicle is provided with a projecting-portion-displacement permitting mechanism for permitting a displacement of at least a projecting portion such that an amount of projection of the projecting portion decreases. The projecting-portion-displacement permitting mechanism is configured as follows, for instance. In a structure in which a downward movement of the body-side unit is prohibited by a pin of a solenoid, the solenoid is energized and the pin is withdrawn, thereby releasing the prohibition of the movement of the body-side unit. In consequence, the body side-unit is permitted to move downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Inoue, Hidenori Kajino, Hiroaki Date, Tomoo Kubota
  • Publication number: 20080111335
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar with a lateral retention collar is provided. The lateral retention collar is cast onto the stabilizer bar and can be made from a zinc-aluminum alloy. In addition, the lateral retention collar is cast onto the stabilizer bar using a die casting machine. The lateral retention collar has an axial sleeve with a flange that extends radially therefrom. In some instances, the flange has a width in the axial direction, with the width being between 5 and 50% of an overall axial width of the lateral retention collar. In addition, the flange has a radial thickness that is between 5 and 100% greater than the radial thickness of the sleeve. Casting of the lateral retention collar onto the stabilizer bar can provide a push-off load of greater than 5,000 pounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America
    Inventor: Jerry DiNello
  • Publication number: 20080111336
    Abstract: A suspended axle for a vehicle comprising, for each wheel (2), a longitudinal arm (5) intended to be articulated with respect to the body of the vehicle so as to allow the wheel its suspension travel, said axle comprising a transverse torsion element (10), each end (11) of the transverse torsion element being rigidly connected to a longitudinal arm to form a rigid part (12) of the axle, the two rigid parts of the axle being joined together by a torsion part (13). The axle comprises for each wheel, a hub carrier (3) connected to a respective one of the rigid parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Francis Aubarede, Bruno Guimard
  • Publication number: 20080111337
    Abstract: A vehicle height adjusting apparatus includes air spring portion, an air supply source, a switching valve causing a total air volume of the air spring portion to be constituted by only a main air chamber and by a sum of the main air chamber and a sub air chamber, an auxiliary valve, operating state determining portion for determining an operating state of the vehicle, and controlling portion for controlling the adjusting valve, the switching valve and the auxiliary valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shigeki Suzuki, Akira Kato
  • Publication number: 20080111338
    Abstract: An indoor wheelchair comprising a carriage with a seat having left, right, front and back edges, a backrest, four carrying wheels and supporting members connecting the seat to the carrying wheels; a left and a right riving mechanism mounted to the carriage, each driving mechanism including a manual driving wheel and a transmission connecting the manual driving wheel to one of the respective left and right carrying wheels, The wheelchair is characterized in that it is free of elements occupying the space under the seat between the innermost surfaces of the driving mechanisms and between the rear carrying wheels so that the wheelchair can be rolled over a common toilet bowl in backward motion, while the overall width of the wheelchair as defined between the outermost surfaces of the driving mechanisms allows passing to the wheel chair through a common bathroom door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Benjamin Ilan
  • Publication number: 20080111339
    Abstract: Apparatus for connecting together two objects comprises: a body for attachment to a first object and having a concave surface and a corresponding convex surface; a clamp for attachment to a second object and having a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw, the first and second jaws being configured to engage respectively the concave and convex surfaces of the body when applying a clamping force thereto, wherein at least one jaw comprises at least one tooth configured to bite into the body as the clamping force is applied, thereby resisting movement between the body and the clamp. A chair, in particular a wheelchair for disabled persons, has one or more rests mounted on apparatus as detailed above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Specmat Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Paul Suddaby, Sean Patrick Nelson
  • Publication number: 20080111340
    Abstract: A wheelchair is capable of radiographing with the wheelchair as is by using a general radiographic device, without a need to switch to a different chair. The wheelchair includes a seat portion, a backrest portion provided with upper frame bodies mounted approximately perpendicular to the seat portion and a main body detachably mounted to the upper frame bodies transversely of the upper frame bodies, holding portions installed consecutively to the upper frame bodies, and wheels. The upper frame bodies are approximately perpendicular to the ground plane of the wheels, the main body is configured of an X-ray transmissive material, and the holding portions are installed consecutively to the upper frame bodies detachably and turnably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Eiko Furusho
  • Publication number: 20080111341
    Abstract: Wheelchair side guards are provided with a strip and covering materials. The strip is sufficiently rigid to keep the shape and position of the side guards such that a user and their clothes are kept away from the wheelchair wheels. The side guards may also comprise a hinge near the middle that permit the wheelchair backrest to fold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Jaimie Borisoff
  • Publication number: 20080111342
    Abstract: A bicycle includes an electric motor for driving a hydraulic actuator for a brake caliper of a brake disc of the front wheel of the bicycle. An electronic control unit receives wheel speed information from a wheel speed sensor, input pressure information from an input pressure sensor connected to a brake lever, and hydraulic pressure information from a hydraulic pressure sensor, which measures the hydraulic pressure for the brake caliper. The electronic control unit controls the hydraulic actuator based on the wheel speed information, the input pressure information from the input pressure sensor, and the hydraulic pressure information from the hydraulic pressure sensor such that the hydraulic pressure for the brake caliper is adjusted to prevent the bicycle front wheel from locking up when input pressure is provided via the brake lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicants: Volkswagen of America, Inc., Audi AG
    Inventors: Johannes Van Niekerk, Philip Schlesinger
  • Publication number: 20080111343
    Abstract: A child's tricycle featuring a mechanical assembly which makes it easier to steer especially whilst pedaling, and also simulates the action of steering a car, through the incorporation of a small steering-wheel 2 and a gearbox 1 of approximately 8:1 velocity-reduction ratio. The gearbox which is planetary in one or two stages can be mounted co-axially inside the headstock of a tricycle frame during manufacture, or alternatively provided as an “add-on” unit to be mounted co-axially above the headstock and locked to it to prevent rotation. The steering-wheel can be fitted with a swivelling knob-like handle to facilitate wide-range rotation. The handle can be positioned to suit left or right-handed operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Stanley Barcroft
  • Publication number: 20080111344
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for attaching an accessory to a bicycle. The apparatus includes a plug, a socket and a quick release. The plug is attached to the bicycle or the accessory. The socket is attached to the remaining one of the bicycle and the accessory. The socket is used to receive the plug. The quick release is used to retain the plug in the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Publication number: 20080111345
    Abstract: A bracket which may be used to removably connect a genuine Harley-Davidson Inc. foot supporting device to one of its Softail® motorcycles having a modified exhaust pipe system. The bracket includes a base member removably connectable to a motorcycle and a support connecting member removably connectable, either directly or indirectly, to the foot supporting device. When removably connected to the right side of Harley Softail® motorcycle having an aftermarket-modified exhaust system, the bracket holds the foot supporting device in a position away from the exhaust system and from the rest of the motorcycle. When removably connected to the left side of a Harley Softail® motorcycle, the bracket holds the foot supporting device in a position away from the motorcycle. This arrangement allows a passenger to avoid contacting the exhaust system with his/her right foot, and to rest both feet comfortably while riding on the motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Clinton E. Springer
  • Publication number: 20080111346
    Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch cart is used for positioning a hitch in a truck bed. The cart is provided with a plate and a pivoting arm disposed between a rolling device and the plate. At least one handle is coupled with the plate. A plurality of cams are operably coupled with the at least one handle and disposed between the plate and the pivoting arm such that rotational movement of the handle causes the cams to lift the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: DAVID J. BURNS, ERIK M. MUMFORD
  • Publication number: 20080111347
    Abstract: A receiver style hitch applicable to a step type vehicle bumper that mounts to the step portion of the bumper only by means of the existing hole intended for a ball hitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: David Dwayne Tunno
  • Publication number: 20080111348
    Abstract: A convertible trailer and hitch-mountable platform apparatus has a platform assembly with removable wheel and tow bar assemblies. The platform is equipped with structure for mounting the disengaged tow bar in a transverse orientation to provide structural support when mounted on the receiver hitch of a vehicle for use as a utility platform. The tow bar includes a longitudinal tongue which is received in a transversely centered longitudinal member for a trailer configuration or a longitudinally centered cross member for a platform configuration. One end of the transversely assembled tow bar is mountable on the vehicle hitch receiver for supporting the utility platform and wheels in a generally horizontal position. The platform also includes structure for stowing the wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly includes an axle assembly that is positionable to shift the wheels 90° upwardly and rearwardly for lowering the trailer deck for towing use behind a lawn tractor, mower or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Michael S. Lawson
  • Publication number: 20080111349
    Abstract: A mobility device includes at least a first front leg and at least a first rear leg connected to the first front leg connected to the first front leg. The first rear leg includes an upper member having a first end a second end and a lower member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the upper member is pivotally connected to the first end of the lower member, and the lower member is preferably pivotal between an extended use position and a folded storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: PHILLIP WILLIS
  • Publication number: 20080111350
    Abstract: A planing boat, particularly of a small size, is provided with an airbag system. The airbag system includes at least one bag-shaped airbag body, a housing which accommodates the airbag body, a detector for detecting a collision of the boat, an expanding unit which inflates the airbag body at the time of collision of the boat, and a controller for controlling the detector and the inflation of the airbag body. In a preferred embodiment, the airbag system includes a first airbag body in the handle cover which is blown up from the handle bar to a rear side of the boat and a second airbag body in the handle cover which is blown up toward a front side of knees of a rider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: SUZUKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuaki YATAGAI, Takashi Shimizu, Koji Kurata
  • Publication number: 20080111351
    Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle, including an airbag folded to form an airbag package; a component of the airbag module, which via a first component part for inflating the airbag with gas and/or for fastening the airbag to a motor vehicle part cooperates with the airbag; and a protective covering which encloses the airbag in a gastight manner. The protective covering also encloses the first component part and comprises at least one opening, through which a second component part connected to the first component part projects from the space enclosed by the protective covering, the opening of the protective covering being closed in a gastight manner by means of a sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Nick Eckert, Matthias Liebetrau, Patrick Isermann, Rafael Fagir
  • Publication number: 20080111352
    Abstract: The present invention provides a curtain air bag device for vehicle that can protect passengers with different heights by automatically shifting unfolded-positions of an air bag cushion of a curtain air bag in accordance with passenger heights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sung-Yong Park
  • Publication number: 20080111353
    Abstract: A knee airbag device includes a knee airbag that is disposed in a folded state inside a steering column cover inside which a projection body that projects downward toward one side in a vehicle-width direction is disposed in a rear area, and a cylindrical inflator that supplies the gas to the knee airbag to deploy the knee airbag. The inflator is disposed inside the steering column cover such that at least a portion of the inflator is positioned in the rear area inside the steering column cover. The inflator is disposed in substantially parallel with an axis of a column tube such that the inflator is positioned below the column tube. The end portion of the inflator, in which a gas injection port is formed, faces toward a rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Fukawatase, Tomoyuki Moro, Kenji Imamura, Akiyoshi Sanada, Yuichi Adachi, Kazuaki Bito
  • Publication number: 20080111354
    Abstract: An apparatus for guiding deployment of a curtain airbag for a vehicle which is installed at an inside of the mating part where a head lining and a pillar trim of a center pillar meet with one another. The apparatus includes a guide member, one end of which is fixed to a vehicle body to which an airbag is mounted at a region below the curtain airbag and the other end of which is connected to an airbag cushion. The guide member may be a wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Seung Soo Ryu
  • Publication number: 20080111355
    Abstract: A vehicle side air bag assembly (16) includes a resilient bolster (17) that is located on or adjacent one lateral side of a vehicle seat back. The bolster (17) includes a frame (22) supporting a foam pad (30) within a trim (32) having a release seam (34). Deployment of an air bag module(36) the bolster (17) is controlled by an air bag guide (42) which has a pair of flexible panels (44, 46). One flexible panel (44) has an outer extremity including a first connection (50) to the bolster and the other flexible panel (46) has an outer extremity including a second connection (54) to the trim cover in a spaced relationship from the first connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Silvia Zink
  • Publication number: 20080111356
    Abstract: A gas generating system includes a first enclosure containing a gas, and a second enclosure having a gas generant material contained therein. The second enclosure is operatively coupled to the first enclosure so as to enable fluid communication between the first enclosure and the second enclosure. After activation of the gas generating system, the gas in the first enclosure passes through the second enclosure prior to exiting the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Bruce A. Stevens, Donald B. Patterson, Robert M. Krupp, David M. McCormick
  • Publication number: 20080111357
    Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag device comprising a gas generator, at one end of which a diffuser with radial discharge ports is positioned with a joining section. A non-metallic gas lance is fixed to the joining section upstream of the diffuser. The non-metallic gas lance is provided with or is plugged onto a reinforcing means at the axial end thereof that is associated with the joining section. The reinforcing means redirects the gas flow from the diffuser from a radial discharge direction thereof to an axial discharge direction during normal operation of the gas generator In case of an extremely applied high temperature capable of causing self-ignition of the gas generator, the gas lance material and the reinforcing means are destroyed, as a result of which the gas flow is no longer redircted to the axial direction thereby preventing the gas generator from acting as a rocket which could be hazardous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Rolf Heninger, Hakan Jaconelli, Jonas Malmenstam
  • Publication number: 20080111358
    Abstract: An inflator is disclosed herein. The inflator includes an initiator and a chamber that houses a quantity of stored gas. The initiator may be capable of actuating and causing the stored gas within the chamber to exit the chamber. A venting dome is also added to the initiator. The venting dome opens during deployment of the inflator. The venting dome also inverts and opens an aperture through which the stored gas may vent out of the inflator if the pressure of the stored gas exceeds a threshold level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Scott Jackson, Bryce Robinette
  • Publication number: 20080111359
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas generator for a motor vehicle safety device, the generator comprising: a first chamber (C) for combustion containing a pyrotechnic initiator (2) and a pyrotechnic charge (3) whose combustion is triggered by said initiator; and. a second chamber (D) for diffusion into which the gas that results from combustion of said charge (3) is transferred prior to being exhausted to the outside; these two chambers (C, D) being separated from each other by a “nozzle” partition (12) presenting at least one communication orifice (13). According to the invention, said diffusion chamber (D) is provided with a piston (5) suitable for closing or not closing said orifice (13) as a function of the gas pressure in the combustion chamber (C), said piston (5) being urged to its position for closing the orifice (13) by a mass (6) of elastically deformable material, said mass (6) presenting stiffness that varies as a function of temperature, said stiffness decreasing with increasing temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: AUTOLIVE DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventor: Xavier Abaziou
  • Publication number: 20080111360
    Abstract: In accordance with a knee airbag module for a vehicle according to the present invention, an airbag cushion is folded in half in the front and rear directions, folded in the left and right directions, and is then contained. Thus, when the airbag cushion is supplied with a high pressure gas, it is expanded and unfolded in the left and right directions and is then expanded and unfolded in the front and rear directions. Therefore, the airbag cushion is not unfolded between the knees of a passenger, but is unfolded at the front of the knees of the passenger. Accordingly, the unfolding performance and stability can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Hun Hee JEONG
  • Publication number: 20080111361
    Abstract: A safety restraint system for a vehicle includes a safety net stored in a wall mounted cartridge wherein a guiding bar, securable in a locking mechanism, steers the safety net away from the wall and provides a secured space around a bunk. The safety net is secured adjacent to the bunk using a locking bar. The safety net may be provided with one or several safety belts at least partly attached to the safety net.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventors: Tomas Ekberg, Niklas Thuresson
  • Publication number: 20080111362
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel adjusting mechanism (2) for motor vehicles (4) comprising a pivotally to the vehicle (4) attached supporting arm (8), and a pivotally to the supporting arm (8) attached steering shaft housing unit (12), where at least one locking plate package (14 and 16, respectively) is attached to both the vehicle (4) and the steering shaft housing unit (12), which locking plate package (14 and 16, respectively) is compressible with clamping means (18) in order to lock the steering shaft housing unit (12) relative to the vehicle (4). Optionally, the supporting arm (8) is pivotally attached to a to the vehicle (4) mountable fastening part (20). Optionally, the locking plate package (14 and 16, respectively) is attached to a firmly to the vehicle (4) mountable fastening unit (22). Optionally, the fastening part (20) and the fastening unit (22) are integrated with each other to a firmly to the vehicle (4) mountable steering wheel adjusting bracket (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: FUJI AUTOTECH AB
    Inventor: Ulf Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20080111363
    Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly having a variable energy absorption curve is disclosed. The assembly includes a column jacket and an energy absorption device defining a deformation channel. A strap, interconnecting the column jacket and the energy absorption device, is disposed within the channel and moves along a deformation path in response to collapse of the column jacket. A pin is moveable into the deformation channel by a pyrotechnic device to alter the deformation path. Accordingly, the energy absorption device absorbs energy at a first rate when the pin is not disposed in the deformation channel, and absorbs energy at a second higher rate when the pin is disposed in the deformation channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Damir Menjak, Ratko Menjak
  • Publication number: 20080111364
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle having an interior portion and a rear portion comprising a first position substantially within a vehicle and a second position substantially outside the vehicle. A transfer coupling element is operatively coupled to a structure in the interior portion of the vehicle, wherein said seat has a substantially constant orientation during a motion between first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: V. Guy Ninio, Ken Boyar
  • Publication number: 20080111365
    Abstract: The present invention consists of a bar with a mechanism at one end that serves a dual purpose: it allows the user to attach the bar in a non-permanent fashion to a ski pole shaft and it serves as a hinge so that the bar may be fixed in a position either parallel or transverse to the ski pole shaft. In the transverse position the device, when integrated with a ski pole, may be used by an experienced skier to either tow uphill or to control the speed of inexperienced skiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Brett Adrien Kraabel
  • Publication number: 20080111366
    Abstract: A detachable notebook has a front cover, a rear cover and a notebook body. The notebook body has a front endpaper facing the front cover, a rear endpaper facing the rear cover and sheets sandwiched between the endpapers. The covers each comprise at least one magnetic strip disposed therein. The endpapers each comprises at least one magnetic strip disposed therein, and thus the covers and the notebook body are magnetically coupled together by way of the opposite magnetic strips. Alternatively, the front cover and the rear cover are formed as a unitary housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Jian Tao
  • Publication number: 20080111367
    Abstract: Binding pages of a book. A spine member has spine coupling features. A plurality of spinelet members each have one or more spinelet coupling features designed to repeatedly conjoin with and disconnect from a corresponding one of or set of the spine coupling features, or to spinelet coupling features of other spinelet members, and have a binding surface designed to provide a permanent or semi-permanent attachment for one or more pages of the book. A kit for binding books may include a device for making spinelet members, the device being adjustable to make spinelet members of varying widths corresponding to thicknesses of desired sections of the book.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: David J. McCabe, David E. Boundy, Adam R. Steinert
  • Publication number: 20080111368
    Abstract: A hole seal for an enclosure includes a body having a threaded portion, and a nut having an inner threaded portion to receive the threaded portion of the body, the nut including a first outer flange having first diameter and a second outer flange having a second diameter, larger than the first diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: HOFFMAN ENCLOSURES, INC
    Inventors: William Joseph Nepsha, Steven Edward Henricks
  • Publication number: 20080111369
    Abstract: A tubular crimp connector is provided for attaching a valve assembly or the like to a metal pipe, a fluid tight mechanically secure manner. The connector includes a tubular section made of a metal alloy defining an axial bore sized to receive the pipe with an interior circumferential sealing surface and a plurality of integrally formed annularly spaced apart teeth oriented between the sealing surface and the connector distal end. The wall thickness of the connector in the region of the spaced apart teeth is sufficiently thin to be radially, plastically, permanently deformable by a crimping tool. It is sufficiently thick to provide a mechanically secure interconnection between the tubular connector and the metal pipe without requiring a reinforcing ferrule. The method of forming is provided in which a preform is hot forged and finish machined to the final shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Giulio Pettinaroli
  • Publication number: 20080111370
    Abstract: A quick insert nozzle structure has a pipe connector connected to an insert nozzle. An end of the pipe connector has a containing groove for connecting a joint of a quick insert nozzle that has three circular grooves. An external circular groove installs a washer; a middle circular groove embeds balls, and an internal circular groove embeds a dust resisting cover. The balls match the joint for installing the balls and the washer. The wide groove diameter is coupled to the narrow groove diameter to form a guiding cambered surface, and the thickness of the wide groove diameter is reduced to form a thin covering plate. After the joint is installed, the thin covering plate is stamped to limit the balls, and a dust resisting cover is installed to complete assembling the quick insert nozzle. This invention not only makes the assembling process easy, but also prevents possible leaks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Wen-Chin Shu
  • Publication number: 20080111371
    Abstract: A coupling for a fluid conducting system comprises an elongated coupling part (1) and a locking part (20), which can be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and which can be mounted on the coupling part (1) in a manner that enables it to slide. The guiding of the locking part (20) ensues via detent elements (24, 25) that engage inside guide recesses (13) of the coupling part (1). The locking part (20) can be fixed in a releasing position or in a locking position by the engagement of detent projections (26, 27) inside releasing recesses (18, 19) or inside locking recesses (16, 17). This enables a relatively problem-free operating of the coupling during opening and closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Axel Feger, Michael Trede, Daniel Utz, Matthias Kubel
  • Publication number: 20080111372
    Abstract: A locking element (10) for a quick connector is provided with a matable element (11) on which are configured means for effecting a snap connection (18, 19) with a receiving element of a quick connector, and an actuating element (15) that is in engagement with the matable element (11) and is mounted in the matable element (11) such that it is displaceable between a released position and a locked position. The actuating element (15) comprises locking means (22, 23, 25, 26) that can be brought into engagement with a retaining ring configured on an insertable element of the quick connector in an arrangement of the locking element (10) wherein it is mated onto a receiving element in the locked position. Secure attachment of the locking element (10) to the quick connector and ease of use are thereby achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: A.RAYMOND & CIE
    Inventors: Michael Trede, Jean-Martin Henlin, Axel Feger
  • Publication number: 20080111373
    Abstract: A sealing plug for sealing a hole in a wall, which sealing plug is insertable into the hole by access from only one side thereof, which sealing plug comprises: a radially expandable body which is radially expandable by access thereto from only one end thereof, and a sealing cap which covers the other end of the expandable body and extends therefrom along the exterior of the length of the body, the sealing cap being of a material which is fluid resistant; whereby, when the sealing plug has been inserted in the hole and has been radially expanded so that at least part of the sealing cap adjacent the wall of the hole expands and engages therewith, the sealing cap is secured in the hole with the sealing cap sealing the plug body against access thereto from outside the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Textron Fastening Systems Limited
    Inventors: Carl Hersant, Andrew Roberts, Jonathan Brewer
  • Publication number: 20080111374
    Abstract: A connector for use in a system for flowing fluid, having at least one cup-shaped female part (1), in which an adapted male part (8) on another connector is intended to be sealingly and securely mounted, wherein the female part (1) has integral longitudinal locking tangs (2) which have their free ends pointing in the direction of insertion of a male part (8) into the female part, the free ends of the locking tangs projecting into the space in the female part for engaging with a male part, and wherein the locking tangs (2) having engaging means (4, 15) which can be used by a tool to urge the locking tangs (2) apart so that the male part (8) and the female part (1) can be disengaged from one another. The engaging means (4, 15) may be holes or recesses, or alternatively projections or lugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Kongsberg Automotive
    Inventors: Egil Pedersen, Kristoffer Dale, Jan E. Sangro
  • Publication number: 20080111375
    Abstract: A joint for joining the ends of two pipes has a socket (or box) on the end of one pipe into which the end of the other pipe is inserted. The part of the socket which surrounds the inserted pipe has an external tapered surface. A correspondingly tapered sleeve surrounds the socket and can be moved axially to apply a compressive force to the taper on the socket which is thus compressed inward against the inserted pipe end to frictionally grip the inserted pipe end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Bernard Herman Van Bilderbeek
  • Publication number: 20080111376
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a manifold for fluids (10) comprising quick action elements, male- (15) or female (16), wherein one of such elements, in particular the female element (16), comprises an annular protecting shell (33) arranged so as to protect the coupling male element from tampering or damages after the coupling is assembled Since the manifold (10) has a simple structure, can be made either of plastic- or of metallic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: FERRERO RUBINETTERIE S.R.L.
    Inventor: Riccardo Ferrero
  • Publication number: 20080111377
    Abstract: Fluid coupling for connecting pressurised conduits. The coupling includes a spigot having a first circumferential groove disposed on an outer surface thereof and a socket having a second circumferential groove on an inner surface thereof. The spigot and the socket are adapted for axial engagement whereby the conduits are sealingly connected for fluid communication through the coupling and whereby the circumferential grooves are substantially in radial alignment. A releasable retaining member is moveable between a locked configuration, wherein the retaining member extends radially into both grooves to prevent axial disengagement of the spigot and the socket, and a release configuration wherein the retaining member is disposed substantially within one of the grooves and is substantially clear of the other to permit axial disengagement. The coupling further may include a release mechanism for moving the retaining member from the locked configuration to the release configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Gary Nauer
  • Publication number: 20080111378
    Abstract: A flange for ductwork is integrally formed at a distal end of a duct surface. A first flange portion is formed perpendicularly outward from the duct surface. A second flange portion is bent at a right angle from the first flange portion and substantially parallel to the duct surface. A third flange portion is bent back to be in substantial touching relationship with the second flange portion and towards the first flange portion. A fourth flange portion is bent at a right angle from the third flange portion to be in substantial touching relationship with the first flange portion. Finally, a fifth flange portion is bent at a right angle from the fourth flange portion to be in substantial touching relationship with the duct surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: FORMTEK, INC.
    Inventors: RANDY RUNYAN, John Joseph Toben