Abstract: A system is provided that permits access to one or more components of the power train of a straddle type vehicle (or another internal component or components) without requiring such component to protrude from the body cover of the vehicle. The system can comprise a foot area that includes a foot platform for placing one's feet, an opening positioned above at least the component of the power train, and a cover for permitting the opening to be opened and closed. This system, for example, allows a user to access the oil filler port of the engine via the opening in the foot area in order to add oil to the engine of the vehicle. The system can also include a foot platform comprising a first level and a second level where the second level is located at a higher elevation relative to the first level.

Abstract: A conversion kit and method of using a conversion kit is provided which converts a metal shipping crate into a transporting apparatus. In one preferred embodiment, the conversion kit utilizes a hinge and locking mechanism to angle the trailer for loading of a cargo vehicle and lock the trailer into a horizontal transport position. In another preferred embodiment, the conversion kit utilizes a locking ramp which is lowered for loading of a cargo vehicle and then locked in a vertical position to keep a cargo vehicle in place. A method for using the conversion kit is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for binding a boot to a base plate of a snowboard, having: a first band mounted on a first side of the base plate; a second band mounted on a second side of the base plate opposite the first side of the base plate in a width direction, the second band being removably attached to the first band, so as to fasten a toe end portion of the boot to the base plate wherein the second band fastens the toe end portion at an acute angle with respect to the base plate and the toe end portion of the boot.

Abstract: A collapsible wheelchair assembly includes left and right frame sections that are separably fastened using a slide tube assembly. The slide tube assembly is fastened to the frame section with locking pins that can be manually removed without tools. The design allows the right and left frame sections to be completely separated for transport and storage.

Abstract: The apparatus is a child's stroller that maintains all the wheels on the ground while it is being folded. The rear legs are interconnected with but separated from the armrests and move on circular paths, the centers of which are pivot points on the armrests. Therefore, the tops of the rear legs move around to a height different from the position of the front leg pivot point, and the location of the tops of the rear legs are determined by the position of the attached wheels rather by the pivot point of the front legs. Another linkage lowers the canopy support frame as the stroller is being folded in order to reduce the stroller's overall folded length.

Abstract: A cart for transporting objects is provided. The cart includes a base structure supported on a plurality of wheels. An elongated tongue is telescopically mounted to an underside of the base structure and is movable between an extended position, wherein the tongue extends in front of the cart, and a retracted position, wherein the tongue is disposed under the cart. A hitch apparatus is mounted to the base structure at the posterior end thereof. The hitch apparatus includes a hitch for receiving a tongue of another cart and a locking assembly for locking the tongue to the hitch. The locking assembly includes a pin movable between locking and release positions. A tongue actuator is connected to the tongue and is operable, upon manipulation by an operator, to move the tongue from the retracted position to the extended position, while a hitch actuator is connected to the pin of the locking assembly and is operable, upon manipulation by an operator, to move the pin from the locking position to the release position.

Abstract: An airbag module comprising an improved canister, retainer assembly and method of attaching the airbag module to the vehicle is disclosed. The canister includes snap-on end caps, which assemble onto the center section of the canister. A retention mechanism provides the snap-on capability, while a lap joint provides extra security to ensure the end caps remain on the center section during assembly and initiation of the inflator secured within the canister.

Abstract: A vibration damper for connecting an inflator to an air bag module in a vehicle steering column or the like. The vibration damper comprises a flexible and resilient, annular damper member having a first end portion connected to a first ring member, and a second opposite end portion connected to a second ring member. The first ring member comprises an annular rim extending outwardly from the damper member and having an inwardly extending detent portion at its outer end that is constructed to be snap-fitted to an outwardly extending rim portion on the diffuser of the inflator. The second ring member is constructed to be connected to the air bag module.

Abstract: In a head protecting air bag device according to the present invention, a clip for attaching an attaching portion of an air bag to a fixing part on the side of a vehicle body includes a clip body and a locking part. The clip body has a shaft having a pair of securing legs protruded. The pair of securing legs are inserted in the fixing slot of the fixing part from an in-vehicle side via the attaching slot of the attaching portion and secured to the peripheral edge on an out-vehicle side of the fixing slot. The shaft is composed of a shell member of a metallic plate on the outer periphery and a core member of synthetic resin on the inner periphery. The core member is arranged on the opposite sides of a pair of securing lugs of the shell member. The core member has an inserting space in which a spacer of the locking part is inserted between the pair of securing lugs. The spacer limits the mutual approaching of the pair of securing legs.

Abstract: An interior enclosure part for automotive vehicles equipped with an airbag includes a rigid frame having an opening located in front of the inflatable airbag, and a panel blocking the opening. The part includes a closed-contour latching assembly surrounding the opening and rigidly attached to the frame. The panel has a peripheral rim pinched between the latching assembly and the frame. The panel includes a layer of plastic material and a flexible covering molded onto the layer of plastic material.

Abstract: An assembly structure of an airbag case includes a steering wheel core mounted to a hub of a steering wheel, the hub having an open top part and a retainer attached to the steering wheel core that retains an airbag and an inflator supplying a high-pressure gas to the airbag. An airbag cover is disposed on the hub of the steering wheel so that the airbag cover covers the open top part of the hub of the steering wheel and has a tear line formed thereat, the airbag cover being severed along the tear line when the airbag is expanded, and a plurality of hooks are formed at the edge of the airbag cover.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel includes a steering wheel body having a hub, a separate functional unit fastened to the hub, in particular a gas bag module, and a microphone. The microphone is arranged in a lateral gap between the steering wheel body and the functional unit.

Abstract: A new type of airbag inflator that may be used in an airbag system is disclosed. The inflator will generally include a housing and two initiators. Accordingly, the inflator is a “dual-stage” inflator. The two stages are disposed within the housing. The second initiator is disposed within a second stage generant cup. A cap is also used to engage the second stage cup. The cap maintains seated engagement with the second stage cup, even during deployment of the second stage. The second stage will also include one or more perforations, which constitute openings through which gas may flow. When the second initiator is in the unactuated state, these perforations will be isolated from the generant by the cap. Actuation of the second initiator unseals the one or more perforations but does not unseat the cap from the cup, due to constraints put in place to prevent such unseating.

Abstract: An air bag system includes an inflator operable to inflate an inflatable air bag housed within an air bag housing. A tether extends from the air bag through the housing. A mechanism operatively connected to the housing selectively retains the tether. The mechanism includes a movable member selectively movable from a first position to a second position, with movement of the movable member to the second position breaking the tether, thereby detaching the tether from the mechanism. The air bag inflates to a first profile when the mechanism retains the tether and to a second profile when the tether is detached. The air bag system may include a cutting element, with movement of the movable member causing the cutting element to slice through the tether. The mechanism may include an actuator operable to release actuation fluid, with the released fluid breaking the tether to detach the tether from the mechanism.

Abstract: A retractor of a seatbelt apparatus to be installed in a vehicle is structured such that a Hall sensor and a magnetic disc as a mechanism configured to detect the position of a rotor in a motor are also used as mechanisms for detecting the amount of winding or unwinding a seatbelt.

Abstract: An edge protecting device for snowboards and the like. The device includes an elastic elongate member that is capable of being positioned on the snowboard such that the elongate member covers the edge portions so that first and second reinforcing members align with the toe and heel edge portions, respectively and a strap removably attaches to the elongate member such that the elongate member is held snugly against the side edge portions of the snowboard.

Abstract: In the working machine of the present invention, a tank mounting portion is provided in an upper rotating body, a fuel tank is mounted removably in the tank mounting portion, and engaging portions are formed respectively on both body side of the working machine and the tank side so as to be engaged with each other when the tank is set in the tank mounting portion, thereby preventing in this engaged state the tank from moving in vertical directions and in substantially horizontal directions other than a removable direction of the tank, while a fuel tank dislodgment preventing means is provided to prevent movement in the removable direction of the tank when set in the tank mounting portion. In this working machine, the tank mounting structure can be reduced in both size and weight.

Abstract: An ice skate comprises a horizontal platform and a pair of opposing side brackets perpendicularly secured to an underside of the platform. A pair of opposing extension arms is pivotally engaged with each end portion of the side brackets, and an extender bracket is engaged with a center portion of the side brackets. Each extension arm has a torsion spring confined and arranged to enable the extension arm to pivot about the center axle within a certain range in tandem with the other of the pair of extension arms. A distal end of each extension arm has an axle non-rotatably engaged with a follower rotatably engaged in a vertical plane. Each follower is engaged with a horizontally elongated hole at front and rear end portions of the skating blade, and the extender bracket provides an additional follower engaged with a vertically elongated hole on a centerline of the skating blade.

Abstract: A hydro concrete to pipe sealing arrangement consisting of a main sealing sleeve having a first end and a second end, the main sealing sleeve consisting of two halves which interfit with each other to accommodate dimension variations during forming of a concrete casing wall; a rubber sleeve having a first end and a second end, the rubber sleeve being located on an interior of the main sealing sleeve wherein the rubber sleeve is entirely surrounded by the main sealing sleeve; the rubber sleeve having rings located on an interior surface which face towards the first end of the rubber sleeve, wherein the rings will slant in the same direction as a pipe being inserted, the rings being compressed between the pipe and the rubber sleeve; at least two hydro penetration stopping rings formed on an exterior surface of the main sealing sleeve and extending radially opposite from the rubber sleeve; at least two retainer rings embedded within an interior of the rubber sleeve at the first end and the second end of the rubb

Abstract: Rotary joints are provided, to allow fluid to flow from a stationary member to a rotating member. The rotary joints include a housing, configured to fit over the rotating member, a rotatable coupling disposed within the housing, configured to be fixedly attached to the rotating member, and a floating seal system that allows relative movement between the parts being sealed, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the rotating member and associated parts.

Abstract: A compression fitting that obtains a rain tight fit on electrical conduit. The compression fitting includes a tubular body having a threaded forward end for connection to a panel and a threaded rearward end for connection to a conduit. A standard lock nut and seal ring, or, alternately, a snap ring and a seal ring are used on the forward end for obtaining a rain tight fit of the forward end with a panel or junction box. A compression nut, compression ring, and two seal rings are used on the rearward end to secure a conduit thereto in a rain tight fit. A first seal ring is constructed of plastic and includes a V-shaped outer periphery. A second seal ring is typically constructed of a deformable metal such as aluminum and includes a V-shaped inner periphery. The rearward end of the tubular body includes a seat shaped to accept the second seal ring.

Abstract: In some aspects, the invention features a door stop. In some embodiments, the door stop can be used to lock doors open. The door stop can include a base having first and second contact surfaces. The base can be positionable in an open position. In the open position, the first contact surface can contact a door jamb, a first hinge plate, or both. In the open position, the second contact surface can contact a hinged edge of a door, a second hinge plate, or both. The base can include a third contact surface. The third contact surface can be configured to contact a frame stop when the base is positioned in the open position. The third contact surface can be generally perpendicular to the first contact surface.

Abstract: Magnets attach a resilient material protector to the sides of a vehicle. The protector also includes a hook that fits between the vehicle door and the door post to prevent the protector from being removed from the vehicle when the door is locked. The protector has two portions that fold over each other such that the magnets on the respective portions align with each other and secure the portions together in a stowed position. The hook embeds in one portion of the protector and can extend between the vehicle door and its post to secure the protector to the vehicle. A recess opposite the hook in the other portion of the protector receives the hook's free end. The magnets have soft material on their outside to prevent the magnets from scratching the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste material comprising a handle and a body coupled to the handle further comprising an outer semi-circular frame having an inner cavity, a semi-circular insert inserted into the outer semi-circular frame, and a liner inserted into the semi-circular insert. The inner semi-circular insert rotates within the inner cavity of the outer semi-circular frame and the semi-circular insert further comprises a graspable protrusion coupled to a lateral surface of the semi-circular insert.

Abstract: A load handling apparatus having a pole, a pushrod, an insert, a tool head, a loop of wire, and a knob is disclosed. The pushrod and insert move within the pole. The tool head is connected to the distal end of the pole. The loop of wire is at least partially disposed within said tool head and connected to the pushrod. The knob is connected to the pushrod and may be rotated to lock the pushrod in place. A user moves the knob to alter the size of the loop of wire.

Abstract: A check valve for pick-and-place applications includes a valve housing with a chamber, and a chamber shuttle with a cavity. The chamber shuttle is accessible from outside the chamber and adapted to receive a suction head. The chamber shuttle is adapted to travel within the chamber and establish “valve-open” and “valve-closed” states based upon the contact of the suction head upon the work piece surface. Blow off of the work piece surface is allowed by a fluid flow channel interposed between the suction head and the chamber shuttle cavity.

Abstract: A slide-out drive member controllably moves a slide-out section that is associated with a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, from a retracted position to an extended position. The slide-out drive member includes an inner driven member with embedded teeth with tips that are preferably substantially flush with a bottom surface of the inner driven member; and an outer member that houses the inner driven member along with a gear mechanism that engages with the teeth in the inner driven member to drive the inner driven member, thereby driving the slide-out section. The present slide-out tube overcomes the deficiencies of conventional slide-out tubes by driving the slide-out section in a smooth, uniform, even manner while providing a low profile.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforcement member with a carrier member and a reinforcement material disposed on the carrier member.

Abstract: A drive device for driving two members includes one drive source; a rotating member connected to the drive source; and a drive member connected to the rotating member via a coupling device. The drive member stops upon releasing the connection from the rotating member via the coupling device after moving for a predetermined distance in synchronicity with the rotating member. The rotating member and the drive member drive the two members, respectively.

Abstract: A retention cable arrangement for retaining a cargo closure assembly in association with a storage compartment of a vehicle includes a cargo lid door having at least one hinge for pivotally connecting the cargo door to the vehicle. A retention cable is connected to the at least one hinge and to the cargo door distal to the at least one hinge.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat cushion and a pivotally attached seat back movable between a seating position secured to the floor of a vehicle and a stowed position recessed in the floor. A pair of front legs are pivotally attached to the seat cushion and removably attached to a striker assembly in a floor. A pair of rear legs is attached between the seat cushion and the floor. A linkage assembly is coupled between the front legs and rear legs. The linkage assembly includes a lost motion slot for retracting the front legs relative to the seat cushion frame allowing the front legs to pivot between a support position extending between the seat cushion and the floor and a retracted position recess against the seat cushion in response to pivotal movement of the seat cushion between the seating position and the stowed position.

Abstract: Vehicle seat which effects a sideways movement of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat during a lateral impact or directly before a lateral impact. The sideways movement takes place away from the side of the vehicle which faces the impact and toward the center of the vehicle, at least one seat cushion being transversely displaceable separately in relation to the seat components and in relation to the seat fixing elements for the sideways movement.

Abstract: A crash pad for an instrument panel includes a crash pad skin forming an external surface of the instrument panel and positioned on the upper part of a gauge board of a vehicle, a crash pad core attached to the lower surface of the crash pad skin, the crash pad core configured to withstand impact, and a lower frame forming an impact absorbing space that attenuates impact transmitted to the crash pad core, the lower frame attached to the lower surface of the crash pad core and fixed to a cluster facia.

Abstract: A tarpaulin system that turns a flatbed trailer into a fully covered trailer and closes to provide an open flatbed trailer. The system is comprised of a plurality of inverted U-shaped support bows extending laterally across the trailer and secured to sections of the tarpaulin. Each support bow has rollers secured thereto for sliding movement along rails on each side of the trailer. A plurality of pairs of inverted U-shaped uplifting bows also extend laterally across the trailer and are pivotally secured to the support bows on opposite sides to spread apart during opening of the system. Intermediate support rods are secured between adjacent pairs of uplifting bows and extend laterally across the trailer between the uplifting bows beneath the tarpaulin sections to restrict the tarpaulin sections from falling between the uplifting bows when the system is closed.

Abstract: A folding top for a cabriolet vehicle, that includes a first roof part which is embodied as a rigid shell element, a second roof part which is embodied as a rigid shell element, and a forced control unit. The first roof part and the second roof part are pivotable relative to a body of the vehicle, are driven by a common force-introducing unit, and are movable by means of the forced control unit. The forced control unit includes a mechanical control device, by means of which movement of the second roof part can be delayed from movement of the first roof part.

Abstract: A vehicle weather strip flange configured to eliminate corrosion for a predetermined time period. The flange may include at least one indented area disposable against a vehicle body and an opening for insertion of a fastener for attaching the flange to the vehicle body. The indented area may include a predetermined depth for maintaining an un-indented area of the flange at a predetermined distance from the vehicle body. The un-indented area of the flange may include exposed inner areas facing toward the vehicle body and exposed outer areas facing away from the vehicle body. The predetermined distance may permit the exposed inner and outer areas to be coated by a corrosion protection liquid for thereby eliminating corrosion from the un-indented area for the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A toy vehicle adapted for medical use for providing a vehicle that transports a child and their required medical equipment. The toy vehicle adapted for medical use includes a vehicle with a plurality of wheels and a seating area, a receiver cavity within a rear portion of the vehicle for receiving one or more tanks, and an aperture within the rear portion of the vehicle for receiving an IV pole. If the vehicle is manually powered or the medical equipment weighs significantly more than the front portion of the vehicle, a counterbalancing weight is attached within the front portion of the vehicle to provide increased stability. The vehicle may be powered manually or via an engine.

Abstract: A cab extender assembly for selectively changing the aerodynamic drag on a vehicle having a longitudinal axis includes a fixed cab extender and at least one track extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. An adjustable cab extender has at least one moveable member that is engaged in the track. An actuator assembly is configured for selectively reciprocating the adjustable cab extender along the track and with respect to the fixed cab extender.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

Abstract: Force and deceleration delimiting devices and methods for operating the same in a vehicle.

Abstract: A hanger beam assembly is formed from aluminum and includes first and second support brackets, a main beam hanger, a driver beam, a main beam, a main beam support, and a main beam support mounting bracket. The driver beam extends between the first support bracket and the main beam hanger. The main beam extends between the main beam hanger and the second support bracket. The main beam support bracket is secured to a vehicle floor, and the main beam support is secured between the main beam hanger and the main beam support mounting bracket. The resulting hanger beam assembly is light-weight and provides a desired natural frequency at the associated steering wheel.

Abstract: A lightweight integral corrosion-resistant front-end structure (“front-end structure”) includes a one-piece composite structure, a metal insert, and a series of washers. The one-piece composite structure is formed from a polymer-composite with a washer fluid reservoir, a tray, and/or a wheel housing. The metal insert is coated with the one-piece composite structure and isolated from corrosive substances. The metal insert is attached to a radiator support member and/or a hood pivot member. The washers offset the metal insert from the radiator support member and/or hood pivot member so as to eliminate a galvanic potential. The washers are attached to the metal insert by the one-piece composite structure.

Abstract: Device for draining water from at least one gutter of a retractable vehicle roof, characterized in that the intermediate conduit (9), which is linked to the movement of the moving roof, is attached by its upstream part (9A) to the drain (8) and linked by its downstream part (9B) to the drainage conduit (10) by a nesting joint (11), so that when the moving roof moves into the stowed position, this downstream part (9B) is denested so as to break the continuity, and vice versa when the mobile roof covers the passenger compartment.

Abstract: The invention is a let-down roof structure with overlapping front roof panels and retractable side roof rails which pivot transversely into a stored position.

Abstract: A vehicle roof includes a roof opening in a roof skin. First and second roof parts are movable between a closed position in which the parts are arranged flush behind one another within the roof opening to thereby close off the roof opening and in an opened position in which the second part is lowered with respect to the roof skin and the first part extends over the second part to thereby expose the roof opening. A kinematic support mechanism is movable to an extended position in which the mechanism fixes the second part in the closed position and in a retracted position in which the mechanism lowers the second part in the opened position. The first part and the mechanism are connected to one another such that the first part actuates the mechanism between its positions in response to the first part moving between the closed and opened positions.

Abstract: A collapsible support frame includes a plurality of frame structures each having frame members joined together by a tension cable. A locking mechanism pivotably connects the frame structures and allows a user to move the frame structures between a folded position and an unfolded position. In the unfolded position, the frame structure is locked open and may carry a load. In the folded position, the frame structure is collapsed to form a bundle. A slack control member may provide tension to the tension cable when the support frame is unfolded, and to control slack in the tension cable when the support frame is folded.

Abstract: A portable seating apparatus includes a storage box having upwardly extending sidewalls, a seat cushion pivotally mounted in the storage box, and a framework for providing portable seating and protection from weather elements. A covering is connected to the framework. The framework is completely stored within the storage box and the seat cushion may be hingedly attached to the storage box. The framework may be adjustable. The apparatus may also provide a plurality of legs and sidewalls. The apparatus may further provide a storage pocket in the storage box.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a seat back having an outer surface that selectively contacts a seat occupant and a head restraint extending from the seat back that has a head restraint portion that selectively contacts the seat occupant. The head restraint portion is moveable between a forward position and a rearward position. The apparatus also includes a head restraint control assembly having an actuator, a lock mechanism, and a lock mechanism resetting device. The actuator transfers an actuation force to the head restraint portion for initiating movement of the head restraint portion from the rearward position to the forward position. The lock mechanism selectively restrains the headrest portion from moving from the forward position to the rearward position.

Abstract: A cushioned, articulated seat protector for vehicle seats or the like having mid-section and upper members with articulated panel sections and padded side panel members with a non-slid exterior, as well as a lower member having at least one pocket panel.

Abstract: A portable infant booster seat having an upright back support, foldable sidewalls, a flexible front wall and an upwardly extendible cushioned seat member that supports an infant in an elevated seated position.