Abstract: An electric vehicle drive control device includes a first electric motor and a second electric motor; a differential device that includes first, second and third rotational elements, wherein the first rotational element is connected with the first electric motor, the second rotational element is connected with the second electric motor, and the third rotational elements is connected with the engine; a transmission that is connected with the second electric motor via a transmission shaft, and that shifts a speed of a rotation transferred from the transmission shaft; and a controller that: judges whether an engine start request for starting the engine is generated and whether a downshift request is generated; and starts, if the engine start request and the downshift request are generated, one of an engine start control and a downshift control when the other of the engine start control and the downshift control is executed.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is an arrangement of an electrical power generating system in an electrical vehicle. The electrical power generating system has a first module (2) for preprocessing and metering of the gases to be supplied to a fuel cell, a second module (4)with the fuel cell, and an electrical power distribution module (15). The first module (2) and the second module (4) are mounted in a container (9). The unit comprising the container with the two modules is installed in the electrical vehicle from underneath, in a cavity provided for this purpose. The electrical power distribution module (15) is then attached to the outside of the container.

Abstract: A personal vehicle for transporting a user over a surface including an external combustion engine. The vehicle includes a generator for converting the mechanical energy produced by the external combustion engine to electrical energy and an energy storage device for storing power provided by the generator and for providing power to the external combustion engine and the assembly. The personal vehicle includes a controller for controlling a total power load placed on the external combustion engine providing short term regulation of external combustion engine parameters.

Abstract: A method is provided of boosting power to a continuously variable transmission having a motor. The continuously variable transmission is powered by an engine. The method includes selectively adjusting a power output of the engine above a steady state power output rating of the engine when an acceleration of the motor exceeds an acceleration threshold value.

Abstract: The invention provides for an exterior air intake system in an engine compartment of a vehicle wherein the exterior air can be guided smoothly into an air cleaner. The engine compartment of a vehicle includes: a front-end module that is separated from an engine by a predetermined distance and that is disposed to a front end of a vehicle body; an air cleaner that is positioned near to a side of the engine; a first air duct that connects the air cleaner to the engine; and a second air duct for guiding an exterior air into the air cleaner, wherein the first end of the second air duct is connected to the air cleaner and the second end of the second air duct is positioned to a center of an upper portion of the front-end module.

Abstract: An integral assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a battery tray, a coolant reservoir and a vacuum reservoir. The battery tray and portions of the coolant reservoir and vacuum reservoir are formed as a single molded part having shared partition walls, so as to provide superior strength, economy, and packaging efficiency.

Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.

Abstract: A method is provided for steering a vehicle that is to be backed into a parking space. Starting from an initial position outside the parking space, a reverse trajectory that is to be traveled to attain the parked position is determined. The vehicle reverses through five curve sections, and steering of the vehicle during the reversing procedure is controlled by an electronic control system in accordance with the reverse trajectory. When viewed from the driving direction, the second curve section represents a clothoid section, the third represents an arc section, the fourth represents an additional clothoid section and the fifth represents an additional arc section. In its initial position, the vehicle is at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the parking space and the first curve section, through which the vehicle reverses and which lies between the initial position and the start of the second curve section, is represented by a different geometrical function than the second curve section.

Abstract: A seat belt assembly is provided for an occupant seated in a seat that includes a seat back portion and a seat base portion having an outboard side. The seat belt assembly includes a continuous seat belt having a lap belt and shoulder belt. The lap belt has an inboard portion, an outboard portion, and an anchor portion. The anchor portion is fixed to an anchor member positioned below, rearward, and inboard relative to the outboard side of the seat base portion. An actuator assembly is selectively engageable with the outboard portion of the lap belt and is operable to selectively release the lap belt. A pre-tensioner is operatively connected to the shoulder belt. The pre-tensioner is configured to tension the shoulder belt and the lap belt thereby applying force in an inboard direction when the lap belt is released from the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A method for regulating the speed of a motor vehicle includes the steps of sensing an open door, verifying the authorization of a driver, and preventing the flow of fuel to the engine until an authorized driver has securely closed the vehicle doors. The method also includes the steps of sensing that the driver's seat belt is securely fastened and limiting the flow of fuel to thereby provide a relatively slow speed until the seat belt is fastened and thereafter limiting the flow of fuel to provide a second pre-selected speed. Further, the method includes the steps of overriding the second pre-selected speed and activating a vehicle's flashers when the second pre-selected speed is exceeded. Apparatus for accomplishing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system is disclosed that includes a steering portion, a steered portion, and a clutch mechanism. The steering portion includes operations input mechanism and a reaction adding device. The steered portion includes steering controlled wheels and a steered force adding device. The clutch mechanism mechanically connects the steering portion and steered portion through an engagement. The clutch mechanism has a permanent magnet and an electromagnetic coil so as to form an electromagnetic clutch that releases when a current is applied such that a magnetic force in the direction that cancels a magnetic force of the permanent magnet is generated for the electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic clutch engages when a current is not applied to the electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: A protective cover for a stethoscope head and an apparatus for quickly and easily interconnecting the protective cover with the stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a cover-positioning device that positions the protective cover so that it can be quickly and easily interconnected with the stethoscope head. The cover positioning device includes a base having a planar portion and an upstanding rim connected to the planar portion, the upstanding rim defining an opening for receiving the stethoscope head therethrough. Following examination of the patient using the stethoscope with the protective head covering, the protective covering can be quickly and easily removed from the stethoscope head and suitably disposed of so as to prevent skin bacteria and like contaminants that may have contaminated the protective cover during patient examination from undesirably being transmitted to the next patient.

Abstract: A liner assembly includes a plurality of aligned passages providing a large open area combined with openings much smaller than a length of the passages. The plurality of passages are disposed parallel with each other and include an opening transverse to incident sound waves. The passages are separated by walls and are blocked at an end distal from the openings. Sound waves incident on a face of the liner enter the passages and are dissipated by viscous losses. Sound energy is further dissipated as thermal energy to the walls of the passages. The long narrow passages provide the desired visco-thermal losses for sound energy in a broad frequency range.

Abstract: Various embodiments for high directionals and kits for high directionals are disclosed. A high directional having an articulated, separable head is disclosed. A high directional having a height adjustable both by altering the length of the legs and by adjusting the leg connection to the head is disclosed. A kit for a high directional including a head, legs, and multiple sets of feet for the high directional is disclosed. The feet of each set are configured for different surfaces. Another kit for a high directional includes a first head component, a second head component, and a plurality of legs.

Abstract: An elevator destination floor display unit is installed in an elevator boarding area or an elevator car. The elevator destination floor display unit has a display portion having a screen selectively displaying destination floor representations relating to all floors, and a display control portion which arranges and displays, in a matrix form, only destination floor representations of destination floors registered on the screen. Therefore, the unit decreases the area of the required display space, makes it possible to visually recognize destination floor representations with ease, and possesses a high degree of freedom for installation.

Abstract: An assistant ceiling device designed to shield an escape hatch installed to a ceiling of an elevator cab is provided. The assistant ceiling device includes two elongated rail guides and a rectangular assistant ceiling plate. Each guide is installed at either side of the emergency escape hatch and has a length longer than that of the emergency escape hatch and shorter than that of the ceiling of the elevator cab. The assistant ceiling plate is laid on the rail guides to shield the emergency escape hatch. Each guide has a latching jaw so as to allow the assistant ceiling plate to be installed to the rail guides by laying both sides of the ceiling plate on the latching jaws.

Abstract: A belt end connection for fastening a support belt end in an elevator installation and a method for protecting and checking a belt end connection in an elevator installation includes a twisting prevention device that prevents twisting of the belt end connection about the longitudinal axis thereof. A wedge retains the support belt end in a wedge pocket and is secured by a loss prevention device against slipping out of the wedge pocket. The twisting prevention device and/or the loss prevention enable efficient protection of the support belt and/or of the belt end connection against damage and make possible efficient checking and control of the belt end connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disc brake, particularly for a goods vehicle, comprising a brake caliper, which has a brake disc that can be brought into active contact with brake shoes and which can be fixed to a brake support in a manner that enables it to be axially displaced relative to the brake disc. The inventive disc brake also comprises a closure plate, which closes the brake caliper on the side facing the brake disc, and comprises a removable retainer, which is fixed relative to the brake caliper and on which springs acting upon the outer edges of the brake shoes are supported. The disc brake is designed in such a manner that a fixing device is provided in the closure plate, and the facing end of the retainer lies inside the fixing device while being held in a direction of loading.

Abstract: A rotation damper for a vehicle that runs on rails, having piston and cylinder parts moving with respect to one another. This damper has a friction characteristics, that is to say the fluid connection over the piston is not a permanently open hole but exclusively comprises spring-loaded valves. In order to facilitate the installation of such dampers, it is proposed to make a separate connection between the working cylinder and the reservoir in which a valve that can be manually operated is arranged, which valve, on operation, opens a connection as a result of which the piston and cylinder can be moved relative to one another under manual force.

Abstract: A wear indicating friction disc assembly includes at least two friction discs and may include a plurality of clamping assemblies positioned around a circumference of the friction discs to clamp at least two of the friction discs together. At least one of the clamping assemblies may include a wear indicating washer with a wear indicating portion extending into a portion of one at least one of the friction discs. A height of the wear indicating portion is set to engage the opposing friction member at a predetermined wear level of the friction disc assembly and to emit a detectable signal upon sliding engagement with the opposing friction member.

Abstract: In a drive unit for a hybrid motor vehicle for coupling an internal combustion engine and/or a motor-generator to a transmission, wherein an input shaft of the drive unit is connected to the internal combustion engine and the motor-generator is connected to an output shaft of the drive unit and a clutch is arranged between the input shaft and the output shaft, the clutch is normally engaged and means are provided for opening the clutch depending on the speed of the output shaft and also a freewheeling coupling is arranged in the drive unit in parallel with the clutch for connecting the input shaft to the output shaft via the freewheeling coupling.

Abstract: A coin drop mechanism comprises a support member movably connected to a channel member. A contoured channel configured to receive at least one coin is formed on at least one of the members and defines a coin slot when the members are in contact with each other. The channel is configured to guide the at least one coin to a desired location aligned with an actuator opening on the members. The mechanism further comprises an actuator. The actuator comprises a actuation member configured to travel through the actuator opening, engage the at least one coin against a surface of the channel member, and displace the channel member relative to the support member causing a selected product to be dispensed from a product receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for a sorting system comprising an activating member (2), a fastening bracket (3), and a discharge arm (4) which at an end part (5) is pivotally connected with the fastening bracket (3) at a side (6) of a conveyor (7), where the discharge arm (4) by means of the activating member (2) is adapted for being swung between a passive position (9) approximately parallel to the side (6) of the conveyor (7) and a number of active angular positions (8) in relation to the conveying direction (A) of the conveyor (7), where the activating member (2) comprises an electrically driven stepping motor or servomotor having a control unit being adapted for determining a pattern of motion and/or speed profile of the discharge arm (4).

Abstract: A device for conveying inhomogenous solid matter, particularly biomass, includes an endless screw. The endless screw is located in a sleeve fitted with a counter screw, which allows better transportation, and the possible creation of a plug of compressed material at predetermined points on the screw, which isolates the device from the outside. The device can be coupled with at least one other endless screw, which can be put under a pressure greater than the device. The screw erodes the plug and transports the matter so obtained, for example to a pressurized reactor. With the device, a pressure difference between for example a raw material storage tank and a reactor does not lead to excessive cost in terms of pressurizing gas.

Abstract: A cargo conveyor for use in loading and unloading a cargo compartment comprises: a plurality of conveyor units for being disposed within the cargo compartment and for being temporarily arranged to support a loading or unloading conveyor path having a length that varies during a same loading or unloading operation, the conveyor path for being lengthened during the unloading operation and for being shortened during the loading operation, the plurality of conveyor units for being coupled with and decoupled from the conveyor path for lengthening the conveyor path during the unloading operation and for shortening the conveyor path during the loading operation, respectively.

Abstract: This invention is in a package and method of packaging ready mountable or prepasted bondable dental appliances, and particularly orthodontic brackets, wherein the appliances include a body and a base, and a layer of uncured polymer resin is applied to the base. The package includes a carrier for the bondable appliances for single or multiple appliances and enclosed in a hermetically sealed bag.

Abstract: An automotive kit for catching oil drippings includes a housing having a base section and a lid section pivotally connected therewith, an outlet formed within the housing for defining a passageway to advantageously direct fluid outwardly from the housing when the kit is disposed along a vertical plane. The present invention further includes a plurality of automotive accessories, and a mechanism for advantageously maintaining the accessories at a substantially stable position when positioned within the housing. An end cap is securable to the outlet for preventing fluid from exiting the passageway, and a reservoir is connectable to the outlet for collecting fluid traveling downwardly from the housing. A conventional 1 quart bottle of oil may be attached to the housing outlet for collecting oil drippings wherein the outlet includes a lip portion for directing the oil drippings towards the center thereof.

Abstract: A high-durability storage case is provided in which a disc can be smoothly inserted into and taken out from the storage case, and in which attachment and detachment operations of the disc can be stably performed. According to the storage case (2), a case body (3), a case cover (4), and a supporting plate (5) supporting a disc (1) are pivotally supported in a mutually openable/closeable manner by a four-link mechanism (16) defined by first, second, third, and fourth hinges (11), (12), (14), (15) and an arm segment (13). When the case cover (4) is opened or closed with respect to the case body (3), the supporting plate (5) is drawn into or drawn away from the case body (3) together with the case cover (4).

Abstract: A dunnage-free product-shipping assembly comprising a support member securable to the product in a substantially fixed position. A shipping container has an interior area sized to removably contain the support member. The shipping container has a base and sidewalls projecting from the base. The sidewalls restrict lateral movement of the support member relative to the base. A closure member is movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure member is out of engagement with the support member and the product when in the closed position. A retention flap is connected to one of the sidewalls and is movable between engaged and released positions. The retention flap, when in the engaged position, restricts movement of the support member and the product in a direction normal to the base. When the retention flap is in the released position, the support member and product can be moved normally relative to the base for removal from the shipping container.

Abstract: A cosmetic container comprises a container section, a lid section for opening and closing the cosmetic container, and one or two replaceable covers detachably attached on, and replaceably covering, one or both of the lid section and the container section. The cosmetic container thus structured can satisfy the demand that the decorative part should not even partially peel off or come off of the container section or lid section, and can give the user greater freedom of choice in the selection of its outer appearance.

Abstract: An airtight semiconductor transferring container is disclosed to included a container base, an elastically deformable packing member covered on the top surface of the container base, and a top cover closed on the container base, the top cover having an outer cover body, and an elastically deformable inner lining shell fitted into the outer cover body, the elastically deformable inner lining shell having a downwardly protruding peripheral flange, which is pressed on the border area of the elastically deformable packing member to keep the inside space of the airtight semiconductor transferring container in an airtight status after closing of the top cover on the container base.

Abstract: Method and device for separating letters by transporting a pile of non-separated and unordered letters by a conveyor band in a continuous flow of essentially non-superposed letters which are largely distributed on said conveyor band. At least one retention plate which is fixed to an axis of rotation in a radial direction with respect thereto rotates around the axis of rotation, which is transversally arranged with respect to the transporting direction of the conveyor band, horizontally and above said conveyor band in such a way that the retention plate arranged under the axis of rotation has a velocity component oriented in the opposite direction to the direction of travel of the conveyor band.

Abstract: An oil extracting apparatus includes a rigid oil adhering ring having a horizontally disposed ring axis and an oil adhering surface surrounding the ring axis, a driving device coupled to the oil adhering ring for driving rotation of the oil adhering ring about the ring axis, an oil scraping unit, and an oil collecting unit. At least a portion of the oil adhering ring below the ring axis is adapted to be immersed in a water body. Rotation of the oil adhering ring results in separation of the oil from the water body and in adhering of the oil on the oil adhering ring to form an oil film on the oil adhering surface of the oil adhering ring. The oil scraping unit scrapes the oil film from the oil adhering surface of the oil adhering ring. The oil collecting unit collects the oil scraped by the oil scraping unit.

Abstract: A display rack comprises a plurality of display rack modules connected with each other laterally side-by-side to be fixed on wire shelves in a display case. A display rack module comprises a channel base secured on a wire shelve of a display case, and a channel tray mounted slidably on the channel base. The channel tray has a pair of guide grooves along the longitudinal sides of the bottom, a front stopper and a rear stopper formed between the pair of guide grooves. The channel base has a pair of L shaped longitudinal projections on the upper surface to be slidably engaged with the guide grooves, and has at least a stopper at the front of the upper surface, which contacts the front stopper in displaying mode and contacts the rear stopper in refilling mode.

Abstract: A rack and container assembly and the associated method of holding the containers in the rack. The rack has frame elements that define at least one slot of a first width. The frame elements are rounded in cross-section having a first radius of curvature. Each of the containers has an exterior surface of a second width that is greater than the width of the slots in the rack. An arcuate groove is formed in the exterior surface of each container. The arcuate grooves enable the containers to pass into the slots. Each arcuate groove has a cross-section with a second radius of curvature that is at least as large as the first radius of curvature of the frame elements that form the slot. When the containers are placed in the slots, the only area of the containers that physically contacts the rack is the shallow area of the arcuate groove.

Abstract: A rack has a linear guide and a braking module. The braking module has a braking device, a braking block, a transmission shaft and a elastic device. A central end of the braking device expands toward one side of a slide rest so as to allow the control end to extend outwardly of the slide rest. The transmission shaft drives the braking block. The braking block touches the rails so as to achieve a braking effect.

Abstract: A container closure assembly comprising a container having a finish and external threads and a cup-like cap having a top and a depending circumferentially extending skirt having second internal threads engagable with the container threads. Detents are providing on one of said threads to normally prevent rotation of the cap in a direction to remove it from the container. First and second interengaging members are formed integrally with the cap and container. One of the interengaging members is flexible to bias the cap in an upward direction to maintain the threads in engagement when the cap is seated on the container. Displacement of the cap downwardly against the normal bias of the interengaging means displaces the cap and container threads to disengage the detents to permit rotation of the cap in a direction to remove it from the container.

Abstract: A closure (10) that is suitable for attachment to a container (20) having an end portion defining an opening of the container. The closure comprises a top (11), a skirt (12), a support ring (30) that is engageable with the end portion of the container and which is hingedly connected to the skirt (12), and a sealing rib (13). The sealing rib (13) has a first portion (14) and a second portion (15). The length of the second portion (15) is such that, during attachment of the closure (10) with the end portion of the container (20), the end portion of the container contacts the second portion (15) and pushes it upwardly and at least towards the first portion (14) so as to form a seal between the end portion of the container (20) and the closure (10).

Abstract: A plastic container (10) that exhibits an optimal ratio of hoop strength to top load strength includes a finish portion (12) and generally cylindrical main body portion (14). The main body portion includes a sidewall (16) that has a first plurality of generally vertical ribs (18, 20, 21, 24) defined therein. In addition, a second plurality of generally horizontal wave (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) shaped ribs is defined in the sidewall. The generally horizontal wave shaped ribs intersect with the generally vertical ribs, thereby imparting enhanced strength characteristics to the container (10).

Abstract: A basket is disclosed formed from a portion of a tree. The portion may be a portion of a trunk or a branch of a tree. The basket is formed so that it retains at least part of a natural outer form of the portion of the tree. The natural outer form may be the natural outer form of bark of the portion of the tree or may be the natural outer form of an inner wood section lying directly underneath the bark of the tree. The basket may include an integral handle. The basket may have a bottom, which is formed by cutting. A method is provided including removing a portion of a tree, wherein the portion includes a bark section and an inner wood section, wherein the inner wood section is surrounded by the bark section. A basket may be formed having an outer surface including a natural outer form of the portion of the tree.

Abstract: Outdoor and indoor debris receptacles that can be formed from molded plastic. The receptacles include an open upper end with a D-shaped configuration and a closed bottom end with a substantially circular bottom configuration. The receptacles can have a generally cylindrical shape and a flat side wall having a triangular tubular shape for allowing the receptacle to be laid on its side so that rakes and brooms can move debris fully into the D-shaped opening with ease. At least one handle located on the apex of the D-shaped opening allows the container to be easily lifted to a vertical standing position, and curved interior wall surfaces allow debris to easily slide toward the bottom of the container. Embodiments allow for different sizes of container, and extras such as lids, wheels and supports for tools, such as but not limited to rakes, hoes, and shovels to be carried and stored by the receptacles.

Abstract: A measuring instrument (A) includes a pressurizing mechanism (C) which moves at least one of a measuring article (S) and a connector (4) toward and into pressing contact with the other when the measuring article (S) is placed at a measuring position (P). This prevents improper connection between the connector (4) and the measuring article (S) caused by wear of the connector (4).

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a fuel bladder is disclosed. The apparatus may include a lid, and a container body. The container body may include first and second hatch doors for accessing fuel in the fuel bladder. The lid may include one or more tie downs, which allow the apparatus to be tied down to an aircraft pallet. One or more devices may be provided for securing the lid to the container body. The container body may include first, second, third, and fourth channels fixed thereto for the use of a forklift device. The apparatus may be further comprised of a first device, which can be placed over an opening in the container body exposed by an opened first hatch door. The first device may include a hose, which can be attached to the fuel bladder in order for fuel from the fuel bladder to be supplied through the hose.

Abstract: An automatic machine for dosing water and dental alginate is disclosed. The machine comprises a pressurized water container and a dental alginate container. In the automatic machine, a predetermined amount of each of those substances is transported from its respective container to a dosing point. During operation of the automatic machine, dental alginate is moved inside the alginate container with the purpose of bringing down residues of alginate adhered to the internal walls of the alginate container. In addition, the automatic machine comprises a control unit with a memory that stores dosing programs, this memory may be programmed in order to handle dental alginate of different manufactures.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser assembly including a fluid dispenser (1) having a fluid reservoir (11) and a dispensing orifice (12). The dispenser also includes a sleeve (2) in which the fluid dispenser (1) is slidably mounted. The sleeve (2) is deformable between a dispenser reception position, in which it holds the dispenser (1) inside the sleeve (2), and a dispenser dispensing position, in which the dispenser (1) can be extracted from the sleeve (2), in particular by gravity.

Abstract: A portable grease gun with the capability of being attached to either a grease containing barrel or a hose carrying grease from a grease supply container. An adapter may be mounted to the barrel mounting in place of a barrel to couple the grease gun to a hose connected to a grease supply container remote from the grease gun. The grease gun includes an output valve which restrains passage of grease at pressure below 30 psi.

Abstract: A device for packaging and dispensing of a cosmetic product. The arrangement can be particularly advantageous for make-up and/or a skin care product, and includes a container forming at least one recess capable of accommodating the product. The recess has a first wall at least partially defining an inner surface of the recess, and a second wall rotationally movable relative to the first wall about an axis of rotation. The rotational movement of the second wall about the axis thereby causes a reduction of an angular difference defined between these two walls. The second wall presents a peripheral edge at least one portion of which is in leaktight engagement with the inner surface as it rotates about the axis. In addition, the second wall can delineate at least one outlet aperture to enable the product to be dispensed in response to the reduced angular difference. Preferably, the direction of the flow of the product being disposed is different from that of the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a boot hanger which includes a hook and at least two spaced apart support arms. Each support arm includes a first section having a first end rigidly attached to a base of the hook and a second end disposed distal from the hook. The first section extends at a downward slope from the base of the hook, so that when the hook is disposed to be a high point of the hanger, the second end is disposed lower than the first end. Further, the support arms include a second section having a first end connected to the second end of the first section, and a second end disposed in a region approximately under the hook. The first sections of the support arms angle away from each other to collectively form an acute angle, with the vertex of the acute angle being at a base of the hook. The second sections of the support arms are spaced apart from each other at a generally constant distance, and are generally parallel to each other.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier apparatus comprising: a first member configured to attach to an automobile trailer hitch; a first hinged element coupled to the first member; a second member coupled to the first hinged element and to a second hinged element; a bicycle attaching member coupled to the second hinged element; and where the bicycle carrier apparatus is configured move from a ground position to a traveling position, and from a traveling position to a ground position, by pivoting the second member and the bicycle attaching member about the first hinged element and the second hinged element.

Abstract: The crossbar assembly includes a crossbar spanned between two side rails spaced apart from each other and sliding means fixed to both ends of the crossbar for slideably engaging the crossbar with the side rails. The sliding means including a rotatable lever, a lower clamp operative in conjunction with the rotatable lever, and a pad on which the side rail sits. The side rails disposed at the left side and right side of the roof panel of a vehicle have different bottom surfaces. Moreover, the pads of the sliding means, which directly contact the bottom surfaces of the side rails, have different sitting surfaces in order to tightly contact with the side rails. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the crossbar from being installed to the side rails in a reverse direction.