Abstract: The present invention protects both upper part and lower part of the body of a passenger when an airbag expands in a collision and prevents secondary damage to a baby/infant by appropriately controlling expansion pressure of the cushion on the basis of characteristics of the their bodies. The present invention includes: a diffuser that is disposed in a crush pad and has gas supply holes, gas discharge holes, and an inflator; expansion pressure control member that is movably disposed with respect to diffuser and has at least an opening fluidly-communicating with gas supply holes and a closing portion opening or closing gas discharge holes; and a guide member connected with expansion pressure control member, guides cushion in a predetermined direction, and controls the opening or closing of gas discharge holes by moving expansion pressure control member with respect to diffuser using an internal or external force applied while cushion expands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a front airbag module for an automotive vehicle comprising an inflatable cushion (11) that can be inflated with the gas produced by a generator, including at least one venting opening (17) and a venting regulation device formed by a flexible material part (21) joined to the inflatable cushion (11) on the periphery or near zones of said venting opening (17) such that it can completely or partially close or uncover it, preventing or allowing the output of gas, and a stress member (23) joined at one of its ends to said flexible material part (21) and at the other end to the inflatable cushion (11), the geometric configurations of said stress member (23) and of said flexible material part (21) being established such that the opening degree of the venting opening (17) is determined by the stress level in the stress member (23) during cushion (11) deployment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator for a restraining device, including a housing formed by joining and integrating a diffuser shell having a gas discharge port and a closure shell, a gas generating agent, an igniter and a cylindrical filter, accommodated inside the housing, the housing having a top plate, a circumferential wall surface and a bottom plate, a plurality of protruding portions concaved inwardly and formed with a distance from each other on at least either of an upper annular corner portion located at a boundary portion between the top plate and the circumferential wall surface and a lower annular corner portion located at a boundary portion between the bottom plate and the circumferential wall surface, part of the cylindrical filter being supported and fixed by the plurality of protruding portions, and a gap being provided between an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical filter and the gas discharge hole.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) inflatable from a stored condition to a deployed condition in which the protection device is positioned between an instrument panel (36) of the vehicle and the vehicle occupant. The protection device (14) includes upper portion (142) and a lower portion (144), each of which is at least one of rolled and folded. The upper portion (142) and the lower portion (144) are positioned overlying each other when in the stored condition. A deployment flap (120) includes a sheet of material having a first end portion (130) secured to the vehicle. The deployment flap (120) has a central portion (134) that wraps around the lower portion (144) and a second end portion (132), opposite the first end portion (130), that is tucked under the lower portion while the protection device (14) is in the stored condition.

Abstract: A backsplash holder is configured to receive a backsplash object therein and is configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The backsplash holder includes an elongate member having a receiving surface, a first sidewall extending from the receiving surface, and an opposing second side wall extending from the receiving surface.

Abstract: A crossing arm for a vehicle having a longitudinal axis includes a plurality of hollow telescoping members. The telescoping members are mounted onto the vehicle and configured for extension parallel to the longitudinal axis. The members define a variable volume chamber, where the chamber has a minimum volume when the members are nested, and the chamber has a maximum volume when the members are extended. An actuator is in fluid communication with the plurality of telescoping members and is configured for delivering fluid to the chamber to move at least one telescoping member with respect to a second telescoping member to extend the crossing arm.

Abstract: A damper for a steering column assembly includes a housing attached to and extending along an axis of the steering column assembly. A mass is attached to a distal end of the housing with a resilient member being disposed between the housing and the mass that permits movement of the mass along an axis that is substantially parallel to the axis of the steering column assembly relative to the housing to absorb vibrational forces exerted on the steering column assembly along the axis.

Abstract: A seat belt system for adults and children has a strap (55) that extends vertically along the front surface of a seat back or a structural pillar at the side of a vehicle. Seat belt webbing (19) is configured to provide a three-point seat belt system. The seat belt webbing passes through a stationary seat belt webbing guide (50) located higher than the shoulder of an adult seat occupant and attached to the same component of the vehicle as the vertically extending strap (55). A movable seat belt webbing guide (65) is movable along the strap (55). The stationary seat belt webbing guide (50) has a stationary seat belt webbing passageway (53) through which the seat belt webbing (19) passes and the movable seat belt webbing guide (65) has a seat belt webbing passageway (67) through which the seat belt webbing (19) passes.

Abstract: An improved vehicle-shaped book includes a lower chassis body, an upright book support strut and at least two book pages, each page including a middle foam plate and front and back semi-rigid paper plates mounted on and sandwiching the middle foam plate, the book pages bound to adjacent pages thereof in a book format, the book pages mounted on the upright book support strut generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower chassis body and front and rear wheels rotatably mounted on the lower chassis body whereby the vehicle-shaped book is rollable on the wheels.

Abstract: Transparent or substantially transparent sheets of paper or similar material suitable for inserting into a book or placed over a document are used to highlight or annotate a document without permanently marking or damaging the page. The inserts are thin enough so as to allow several inserts to be placed within a book without significantly increasing the book thickness or distorting the shape and size of the book when closed. Additionally, the inserts contain one or more tabs to allow a user to index and quickly find a particular insert and the corresponding page. An adhesive is present on the rear side of the insert to fix the insert to the page being annotated.

Abstract: A pop-up card stored in the album, the pop-up card having a pair of leaves joined by a vertical hinge and each leaf of the card has an outside edge, and each outside edge of each leaf is either inserted into the pocket in the outside edge of a page or a cover of the album, with the pockets receiving the leaves of the cards being on facing page sides of pages in the album or a page and an inside cover of the cover, and each pop-up card stored in the album has an element attached to or connected to one or more of the leaves of the card that moves or can be moved by the user and that movement is in addition to the swinging action of the opening of the leaves of the card on the hinge between the leaves.

Abstract: Methods and systems that provide privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots are provided. The envelope for returning ballots includes a removable signature stub positioned on top of a signature area. The voter signs the back of the envelope on the signature stub, thereby imprinting a signature on the signature area by transferring a material from the signature stub to the signature area, and removes the signature stub. The signature is then covered by a label that conceals the signature under normal lighting conditions. To read the signature, light having a predetermined wavelength is directed onto the label, thereby rendering the label transparent and the signature visible.

Abstract: A safety skin appliqué kit for parents and custodians of children, disabled persons, and the elderly, including a marking pen and a pre-packaged collection of preprinted skin appliqués each removably sandwiched between two carrier sheets. Each of the appliqués further comprise a die cut section of breathable polyurethane tape, printed with a forward image on one side defined by a lightly-colored high-contrast window, and pre-printed plea to call if lost. The appliqués are coated with hypoallergenic acrylate adhesive for application to skin or other surfaces. Parents and custodians can apply one of said appliques' to their child, disabled person, or elderly charge, and write a contact telephone number in the window of the appliqué. This way, if their charge becomes lost, passersby will notice the appliqué, read the contact telephone number, and call the custodian.

Abstract: A one-piece adhesive label is provided incorporating an integral tear strip. The tear strip is formed as the user grasps one activation tab that resides on either opposite end of the label. Preferably, one tab is formed at each opposite end. Slits formed on the opposite ends of the label adjacent the tabs enable the label to be torn in a uniform manner, taking advantage of the particular material characteristics of the label sheet that has unidirectional fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a personal information protecting sheet in which personal information can be easily made illegible. The personal information protecting sheet includes a base material, a release layer formed on at least a part of the surface of the base material, and an image-receiving layer formed on the release layer. When a force having a directional component that is larger than a predetermined value and parallel to the surface of the base material is applied to the surface, a portion of the image-receiving layer to which the force is applied is peeled from the release layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to packaging for stored value cards, amongst other things. One embodiment includes a first panel coupled to a second panel, an activation panel coupled to the second panel, and an opening strip coupled to the second panel, wherein removal of the opening strip releases the activation panel from between the first panel and the second panel. A card can be coupled to the activation panel. In some embodiments the card can be reinserted between the first panel and second panel. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: The female element (3) for a coupling (1) comprises: a body (30) comprising a duct (C30) for receiving a male element (2) along a coupling axis (X-X?) of the coupling (1); a locking member (33A) presenting a locking portion (330), a connecting portion (331), and a control portion (332), the locking member (33A) extending generally along said axis (X-X?) and being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position; an annular element (37) suitable for driving the locking member (33A) from the locked position to the unlocked position; and a resilient member (382) for returning the locking member (33A) to the locked position. The female element (3) includes lateral guide means for the connecting portion (331) and/or the control portion (332).

Abstract: For simply and reliably coupling first and second fluid devices, a fluid device connecting structure is arranged to couple first and second connection parts of the first and second fluid devices by use a coupling member by placing a resin seal member in seal grooves formed in the connection parts. The first connection part includes a first mounting groove for attachment jig and a first fitting groove provided between the first mounting groove and an end face of the first connection part to receive the coupling member. The second connection part includes a second mounting groove for the jig and a second fitting groove provided between the second mounting groove and an end face of the second connection part to receive the coupling member.

Abstract: Provided are shrouded adapter assemblies for coupling together a first conduit and a second conduit. The conduits may both be single-walled or one may be shrouded. Thus, the first conduit may include an inner conduit and an outer conduit with a conduit annular space between the inner conduit and the outer conduit. The adapter assembly may include a first adapter body having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to receive an end of the inner conduit of the first conduit, and to receive an end of the outer conduit of the first conduit. The adapter assembly also includes a second adapter body having a first end and a second end, where the first end of the second adapter body is configured to receive an end of the second conduit. The adapter assembly further includes a clamp operatively engaging and clamping the second end of the first adapter body to the second end of the second adapter body.

Abstract: A dual mode pipe insert having a first mode wherein a set of sealing ribs located thereon provide for retention of the dual pipe insert as a stand alone saddle end cap and a second mode wherein an internal pipe insert port, which is located intermediate a set of sealing ribs, cooperates with an external saddle support having an alignment guide and latch mechanism for securing a pipe saddle housing in a branch pipe connecting position to enable blind formation of a branch pipe through the pipe insert and proximate an end of a capped pipe

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting construction between a pipe and a coupling, which pipe comprises an internal lining and a fibre reinforcement layer surrounding the lining. The coupling has a coupling piece having an external clamping surface, a sleeve which surrounds the coupling piece and has an internal clamping surface which is shaped in accordance with the external clamping surface of the coupling piece, and also a coupling end interacting with the coupling piece. The fibre reinforcement layer is secured between the coupling piece and the sleeve. The sleeve has a mount which is remote from the coupling end and the internal support surface of which extends so as to widen in the direction away from the coupling end.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide a low pressure loss type fluid coupling having a valve holder which has a large effective opening area and never drops the strength thereof. [Means to Solve] In the fluid coupling for connecting the fluid passages of the plug 1 and the socket 2, a valve 33, a valve holder 31 and a spring 32 disposed in a compressed state between the valve 33 and the valve holder 31 are accommodated inside each of a plug 1 and a socket 2 to be connected to each other liquid-tightly, and when the plug 1 is inserted into the socket 2, the valve 33 of the plug 1 and the valve 33 of the socket 2 make contact with each other so that the valves 33 are retracted resisting an urging force of the spring32.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and an apparatus of preventing a gas leak in a pipeline, and the characteristic of expansion occurred when a hydrogen storage material absorbs hydrogen gas is used for setting the hydrogen storage material in a joint between a first pipeline and a second pipeline, such that if hydrogen leaks at the joint, the hydrogen storage material will absorb hydrogen to expand, and the expansion pressure presses the joint to give a tighter connection, so as to achieve the effects of preventing and locking a leak, and compensating a deficiency of tightness due to an accumulated error occurred during the manufacture of the first pipeline and the second pipeline.

Abstract: A metal ring gasket provides a high-pressure temperature tolerant metal-to-metal seal between subcomponents of a threaded union. The metal ring gasket is received in an annular cavity formed between mating surfaces of the subcomponents of the threaded union. The metal ring gasket is capable of maintaining a fluid seal even at very high temperatures resulting from direct exposure to fire. At high fluid pressures the metal ring gasket is energized because hoop stress induced by the fluid pressure forces the metal ring gasket into tighter contact with the subcomponents of the threaded union.

Abstract: A control circuit for a generator has a control function that monitors the voltage across a bus capacitor. The circuit delivers excess voltage back to associated stator windings if an unduly high voltage is detected across the bus capacitor.

Abstract: A method of starting a gas turbine engine with a synchronous multiphase alternating current (AC) dynamoelectric machine with a rotor and a stator that allows re-engagement of a starting operation at non-zero rotor speeds comprises the steps of: applying electrical excitation to the rotor; measuring electromotive force (EMF) generated in the stator; determining rotor speed, acceleration and position from the measured EMF by sensorless means; initiating closed-loop sensorless position controlled power to the stator if the determined rotor speed is at least a pre-determined minimum closed-loop sensorless re-engagement speed; initiating open-loop position controlled power to the stator if the determined rotor speed is less than the pre-determined minimum closed-loop sensorless re-engagement speed but at least a predetermined minimum open-loop re-engagement speed and the determined rotor acceleration is no more than a pre-determined maximum open-loop re-engagement acceleration; and initiating open-loop zero-speed

Abstract: A wave-flow power installation comprises a float, a convergent-divergent water passage, attached to the float by an arm furnished with a hinge to turn the passage perpendicularly to a water stream, two turbines coaxially mounted in the passage, oriented orthogonally to the stream, each having a shaft oriented across the passage, an end of the shafts is attached to the wall of passage, supplied with hydro-dynamical blades, providing opposite rotation of the turbines, and an electro-generator including two rotors kinematically coupled with the shafts of the first turbines, providing rotation of the rotors in the opposite directions, and a stationary inductor disposed between the rotors. In some embodiments, the electro-generator is enclosed in a cavity of a hermetic capsule. The present invention can be used for building non-polluting power plants on rivers, in coastal areas of sea, and in proximity to platforms for underwater extraction of minerals.

Abstract: A subsurface power generating system in one embodiment includes a frame, an electric generator supported by the frame and operably connected to a first vertical rotor, another electric generator supported by the frame and operably connected to a second vertical rotor, a first louver operably connected to the first vertical rotor and including a front side, and a back side, and pivotable between a first position whereat the backside is in contact with a first pivot limiting structure, and a second position whereat the backside is not in contact with the first pivot limiting structure, and a second louver operably connected to the second vertical rotor and including a front side, and a back side, and pivotable between a third position whereat the backside is in contact with a second pivot limiting structure, and a fourth position whereat the backside is not in contact with the second pivot limiting structure.

Abstract: A floating wind turbine system with a tower structure that includes at least one stability arm extending therefrom and that is anchored to the sea floor with a rotatable position retention device that facilitates deep water installations. Variable buoyancy for the wind turbine system is provided by buoyancy chambers that are integral to the tower itself as well as the stability arm. Pumps are included for adjusting the buoyancy as an aid in system transport, installation, repair and removal. The wind turbine rotor is located downwind of the tower structure to allow the wind turbine to follow the wind direction without an active yaw drive system. The support tower and stability arm structure is designed to balance tension in the tether with buoyancy, gravity and wind forces in such a way that the top of the support tower leans downwind, providing a large clearance between the support tower and the rotor blade tips.

Abstract: An engine (10) equipped with a generator (20) is provided. The stator (24) fixed to the crankcase (12) includes a plurality of iron cores (32a to 32l) arranged in the circumferential direction about the crankshaft (16), and coils (33) that are wrapped around the plurality of iron cores (32a to 32l). The rotor (42) includes a flywheel (25) that is fastened to the crankshaft (16) by a fixing mechanism (28), and a plurality of permanent magnets (26a to 26f) fixed to the flywheel. The fixing mechanism (28) mounts the flywheel (25) on the crankshaft (16) in a position in which the center of one permanent magnet (26a) among the plurality of permanent magnets (26) coincides with the center point between two mutually adjacent iron cores (32a and 32b) among the plurality of iron cores (32a to 32l) when the piston is at the top-dead-center or the bottom-dead-center.

Abstract: A converter converts mechanical energy of a piston to and from electrical energy during each piston cycle.

Abstract: A process for driving a prime mover, said process comprising a) positioning a selective membrane between a liquid and a solution having a higher osmotic potential than the liquid, such that the solution becomes pressurised by the influx of liquid across the membrane, b) using the pressure generated in the solution to drive a prime mover, c) recovering the solution, d) separating at least some of the solvent from the solution to form a residual product, and e) recycling the separated solvent and/or the residual product of step d) to step a).

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a movable closure element to releasably engage a strike assembly on a frame support and thereby releasably maintain the movable closure element in a predetermined position relative to the frame support. The operating mechanism has a base with a wall extending around a first axis and defining an elongate tubular passageway. The operating mechanism includes a latch system having: (a) a latched state; and (b) a released state. An actuating system on the base is changeable from a first state into a second state to thereby change the latch system from the latched state into the released state. The actuating system has an elongate flexible cable with a length residing at least partially within the passageway and made up of an elongate sheath and a movable core. An actuating system has an actuating assembly for the elongate flexible cable that is mounted to the wall.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to automatic gravity actuated container lid locking mechanisms for bulk trash containers, wherein the mechanism comprises a counterweighted actuator arm pivotally attached to a first housing affixed to a first sidewall of the container, a crossbar across the lid of the container, and a dummy arm pivotally attached to a second housing affixed to a second sidewall of the container. The crossbar may pivot forward to unlock the lid when the container is tilted up for dumping. Alternatively, the crossbar may be pivoted forward when the lock is manually unlocked by sliding a counterweighted pin assembly on the first housing from a position interfering with the motion of the actuator arm to a position allowing the motion of the actuator arm.

Abstract: Doors, especially exterior doors are installed in a building long before the construction is finished. Many doors utilize multipoint lock assemblies or mortise locks, these doors typically have expensive hardware that needs to be installed in order to open, use or lock these doors. Continued use and handling of this hardware results in damage to the same. For this reason, the inventive concept includes low cost handles that can easily be installed and can be used over and over again. The low cost hardware consists of low cost handle that are passed through existing lock mechanisms within the door. The low cost handles include a grommet on one side of the door that will be inserted into an existing opening in the door as sealant against dirt and debris. Also included on the handle is a compressible tube on another side of the handle that acts to reduce any play within the temporary mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking a window (5) or door in a closed position, consisting of a bolt (11) with a tap (7) and a driving mechanism (12) to shift the bolt (11) with the tap (7) in an axial direction between two positions corresponding to a locked and a non-locked position respectively of the window (5) or door, wherein the mechanism (1) is provided with a release which is possible to move the tap (7) from the locked position into its non-locked position without using the driving mechanism (12).

Abstract: An electronic circuit senses and transmits a tamper condition of a bolt seal locked with a locking device external the module on a side of the module opposite the bolt head. The module is reusable intact when the bolt/locking device, which is conventional, is opened. In various embodiments, a tang type metal/plastic or plastic tamper indicative seal may be attached through a hole in the bolt tip region that has a narrowed diameter tip or attached in a one way clutch action on the tip, or which mates in a bolt groove at the bolt tip region and/or a conventional tamper evident seal is attached to the surface of the bolt shank at the bolt tip region in a clutch action. Different bolt embodiments comprise non-electrically conductive or electrically conductive plastic or steel shanks with juxtaposed electrical conductors along the shank connected to external conductors formed by coatings or axially spaced cylindrical sleeves forming contact regions which engage the circuitry contacts inside the module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rear bumper protective device containing (i) a base layer of hanging flexible material having a top portion, side portions, and a bottom portion, and having a construction and thickness capable of reducing or preventing damage to a rear portion of a vehicle, and being of sufficient dimensions to at least partially cover a rear portion of a vehicle; and (ii) one or more stabilizing blocks protruding from the top portion of the base layer and positioned colinearly with or along a contour edge of the top portion and being of sufficient rigidity, thickness, width, and length to reduce curling of the rear bumper protective cover. The bumper protective device can include one or more securing means capable of attaching to a rear portion of a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved structure of chopsticks, which can address the shortcomings of typical chopsticks. The lateral portion of the clamping end of the chopstick body has a recessed groove, which is arranged along the extension of the clamping end. One end of the recessed groove passes through the flange of the clamping end. The lateral portion of the clamping end increases contact area and improves the friction effect for improved gripping stability. The area of the flange of the clamping end decreases, enabling users to insert chopsticks A more easily into food and guaranteeing ease-of-operation with better applicability.

Abstract: A hook device for coupling with a universal pole such as a utility pole or hot stick performs a plurality of functions including at least physically engaging a component of a utility device. The hook device has a base having an axis with a pole attachment for coupling with the universal pole. An arm extends from the base along the axis of the base at the arm's upper portion and bends at an elbow at a right angle extending in a forearm, which, together with the axis of the base define a first plane. A hook portion is connected to the forearm and has a geometry in a second plane at the first angle from the axis of the forearm. An end portion is connected to the hook portion and has the same axis as the forearm. A finger is angled from the axis of the forearm at the third angle and angled from the axis of the base at the second angle.

Abstract: A chip-card-receiving device has a carriage for holding a chip card, means for fixing and releasing a chip card, and a clamping element. The carriage is displaceably mounted between an insertion/removal position and a reading/writing position on a carrier. The clamping element is spring-mounted on the carriage such that the clamping element rests resiliently on an inserted chip card. The clamping element has ramps formed on the carrier such that the clamping element is lifted from a plane of the chip card in an insertion/removal position of the carriage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gripper comprising a frame to which is connected a mobile subassembly including a fixed end and a mobile end respectively secured to a fixed arm and a mobile arm, and an actuator supported on the fixed arm for moving the mobile arm and end relative to the fixed arm and end, along a first degree of freedom, in translation or rotation, and a balancing module introducing an additional degree of freedom, in translation or rotation, which is offset outwards of the assembly formed by the mobile subassembly and the frame.

Abstract: A chopsticks gripper article has a solid housing with a flexible inner layer therein. The flexible inner layer has a pair of chopstick-receiving through holes therein. The housing has a pair of upper through holes and a pair of lower through holes on opposite walls of the housing. A protruding portion extends downwardly from the housing and is positioned between the pair of lower through holes. A chopsticks blocking structure extends downwardly along opposite sides of the protruding portion. The protruding portion has sides that are inclined so as to converge away from the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chopsticks gripper. The gripper includes an intermediate block containing top, bottom and four sides. A semi-angle internal gripping slot penetrating the intermediate block is arranged separately at left and right sides. The internal gripping slot is also placed obliquely. A left clamp splice is penetrated by a semi-angle first external gripping slot correspondingly to the intermediate block. A right clamp splice is penetrated by a semi-angle second external gripping slot correspondingly to the intermediate block. A flexible sleeving member, sleeved onto the intermediate block and around the left and right clamp splices, enables flexible positioning. With the chopsticks gripper, users learn how to use and hold chopsticks quickly and correctly.

Abstract: A vehicular storage device provided in opposed relation to a passenger seat. A convex part, protruding from a rear surface of a lid in a direction opposite from a vehicle occupant, has a deformation allowance part that deforms when an impact is applied to the convex part.

Abstract: A pull cup in a vehicle door is fitted to a door trim panel substrate and is connected to the inner door panel of the vehicle door by way of a bracket. The bracket is oriented to resist vertical loads and tension loads such that the bracket is allowed to deflect in compression loading in the event of a side impact. In one embodiment the bracket has horizontal slots through which shoulder fasteners are fitted to attach the bracket to the inner door panel. This configuration allows deflection in compression loading. In another embodiment of the bracket a pair of arms is provided between the pull cup and the inner door panel. This configuration allows buckling of the arms on compression loading.

Abstract: A positioning structure of a sunshade has upper positioning blocks each having a surface attached to a flexible sheet via a double-sided adhesive and another surface with an opening having a width smaller than that of a flexible member wound in a peripheral edge of the sunshade, and lower positioning blocks each having a surface attached to a double-sided adhesive and another surface with an opening having a width equal to or slightly greater than that of the flexible member. The positioning blocks are then precisely mounted on uneven upper and lower flanges of a vehicle window frame. One side of the sunshade is inclinedly inserted into the openings of the upper positioning blocks, and an opposite side thereof is directly inserted into the openings of the lower positioning blocks, so as to provide an operational flexibility to stably hold the sunshade.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle is disclosed that includes an inverted U-shaped rear window frame that defines an opening for a rear window. The rear window may be connected on its upper edge by a hinge to a rear window frame. Alternatively, a rear window may be retracted into a tailgate of a vehicle. The flexible cover material is secured to the rear window frame and a tailgate cooperates with the rear window and extends between the two lower ends of the rear window frame. The rear window is openable relative to the rear window frame.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for releasably locking at least a portion of a convertible top of a motor vehicle in the closed position. The latch mechanism has a locked position in which the latch mechanism is lockingly engaged with the receiver to lock at least a portion of the top in the closed position and an unlocked position in which the latch mechanism is disengaged with the receiver and allows movement of the at least portion of the top between the closed and open positions. The latch mechanism has a memory metal element operative for actuating the latch mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: Reinforcement components for structural members are disclosed. The reinforcement components have expansible reinforcement material that adheres to and reinforces structural members following activation. Methods of reinforcing are disclosed. Reinforced structural members are described.