Abstract: A supplemental torsion suspension system for a vehicle having primary suspension system is provided along with a method of use thereof. The supplemental system has a rotateable torsion bar and a lever arm extending from the torsion bar for engagement with a control member of the primary suspension system. An actuator is coupled to the torsion bar and is operative to impart selective rotational movement to the torsion bar and the lever arm. A corresponding application of an applied adjustment force is imparted on the member of the primary suspension system through the lever arm of the supplemental suspension system to move and/or maintain the vehicle at a desired ride height.

Abstract: A footboard for play, exercise and practice of aerial maneuvers and recreational moves on a jumping device. The footboard is preferably flexible in a variety of directions, but has sufficient firmness so as to allow the board to retain a desired shape. The footboard is attached to the user's feet by a strap system, which holds the user's feet within recesses in the board itself. The footboard is preferably waterproof or water resistant for use on water trampolines, in lakes and swimming pools. Handgrips may be provided at one or more locations of the footboard, which, combined with the flexibility of the board, enhance the moves and style of the practicing foot boarder.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing and supporting wheelbarrows which maintains the balance and increases the resistance of a system (wheelbarrow) including an angled monolithic body which is made up of two arms which define a triangular shape, whose ends have holes for the insertion of affixing means to affix to the leg of a wheelbarrow. In one embodiment, one of said arms makes up an arched area along most of its length which generates two points of support, a first point of support defined on the end of the joint affixing with the leg of the wheelbarrow and a second point of support defined in the area near where the two arms meet to define that angle. The arched area of the arm, positioned substantially horizontally and defining the two points of support, absorbs deformation, and also absorbs the load applied to the element, bringing more stability to the wheelbarrow on flat or irregular surfaces, providing a stabilizer comprised by each leg.

Abstract: A self-steering axle suspension system utilizing a rotary damper coaxially aligned with and acting directly about the king pin centerline on one side of the vehicle is disclosed. When used as such, the rotary damper constitutes a rotary stabilizer. The rotary stabilizer is used to control the steerability of the self-steering axle suspension system and has a self-centering axle mechanism incorporated therein.

Abstract: A skateboard deck is provided with a first lower layer and an upper layer coupled to an upper surface of the first lower layer. The upper layer includes a top surface provided in part by a fiber-reinforced layer and in part a side barrier. The skateboard deck may further include one or more additional lower layers affixed beneath the first lower layer. The fiber-reinforced layer may be inlaid within the side barrier, which may be an outer portion of a wood veneer or thermoplastic sheet. The fiber-reinforced layer may be formed substantially of woven para-aramid fibers encased in an adhesive matrix.

Abstract: A leading or trailing arm vehicle suspension system comprised of a fabricated vehicle axle and an arm assembly. The arm assembly includes an axle bracket attached to the axle and a leading or trailing arm attached to the axle bracket. The arm provides bending stiffness to control axle windup and longitudinal stiffness to control axle position is disclosed. The axle bracket is attached to the vehicle axle with a through-bolt connection. The axle bracket or the arm includes rack and pinion mounting attachment holes and also includes other built-in features providing efficient transfer of loads into the vehicle axle.

Abstract: A suspension structure is provided having a shock absorber for dampening the vibration from a wheel and a stabilizer for suppressing the up and down strokes in opposite phases generated from opposing wheels on a vehicle. The end portion of the stabilizer is connected to the lower end portion of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A recumbent tricycle pedicab consisting of a front frame and a rear frame pivotally interconnected in a manner which enables steering by leaning. The front frame supports, a single wheel, a pedal and drive mechanism, and a driver's seat, while the rear frame supports a fixed handlebar and a two-wheeled passenger/cargo cab. A cab frame supports side panels, a front to rear panel, a passenger seat at least one storage pouch, and signal lights. At least one window or panel which can be rolled down for protection of the passengers or rolled-up and secured to allow ventilation. The front to rear panel opens to allow entry. The pedicab also has a cargo and storage area behind the passenger seat and contents are secured using at least one cargo net attached to the cab frame. Decking on rear frame provides a floor for cab and entry area.

Abstract: A highback for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is comprised of an upright support member including at least two portions that are to be contacted by and to support a rear portion of the rider's leg and that are movable relative to each other for setting a desired forward lean of the highback. The support member may include a lower portion with a pair of mounting locations for mounting the highback to a gliding board component, such as a snowboard binding, and an upper portion movably supported by the lower portion to vary the forward lean of the highback. The lower portion of the support member may be mounted to a snowboard binding baseplate for lateral rotation between a plurality of lateral positions. The highback may include a forward lean adjuster that prevents the upper portion from moving in the heel direction beyond a predetermined forward lean position.

Abstract: Deployment performance of an airbag may be improved by improving an air tightness of an leg airbag system that includes a knee airbag for restraining occupant's legs and a gas generator that generates a jet of gas to inflate the knee airbag. An end of the gas generator is connected to a gas generator ignition control cable and passes through an insertion opening. The insertion opening has an area smaller than a cross section area of the end of the gas generator.

Abstract: In an airbag device, a decorative member is prevented from being scattered with a simple structure at the time of expansion of an airbag. That is, a concave part of the airbag cover (50) on which the decorative member is mounted is connected to an unmoved connection member while freely separable from other portions at the time of expansion of an airbag. To that end, there are formed, on the inner faces of the airbag cover (50), a circular tear line Lc for partitioning the concave part (52) and a plurality of tear lines L1˜4 extending outward from the tear line Lc in the radial direction thereof for forming each of opening pieces (50a). Further, attachment pieces (50b) of respective opening pieces (50a) are fastened to plastic deformable attachment parts of a base plate by screws. With this structure, the concave part of the airbag cover can be immovably held at the time of spread of the airbag.

Abstract: An tear seam in a cover of an airbag includes multiple, non-intersecting slits defined in a fabric of the cover that may be woven with weft yarns oriented generally parallel to a longitudinal axis and warp yarns oriented generally transverse thereto. The multiple slits are diagonal with respect to the longitudinal axis and include end portions. The end portions of substantially all adjacent slits mutually overlap, to weaken the strength of the fabric along the tear seam.

Abstract: An interior lining component of an automotive vehicle and method of making same having a support layer and a decorative layer. The decorative layer is joined, either indirectly via an intermediate layer or directly, to the support layer. A series of alternating slits and bridging elements are formed in the support layer along a desired predefined tear seam line. Blind holes of a predefined residual wall thickness and/or microperforation holes extend into the decorative layer along the predefined tear seam line in the region of the bridging elements and in the region of the slits so that the spacing between the holes in the slit regions is narrower than the spacing in the bridging element regions.

Abstract: The disclosed airbag module can be used in the storage, handling, and installation of airbags to a motor vehicle. One embodiment of the airbag module can comprise: an airbag for protecting a vehicle occupant; and an anti-twist assembly attached to the airbag for preventing the airbag from twisting and for preventing the airbag from being stretched during installation.

Abstract: There is provided an airbelt system in which an inflator and an anchor are mounted to the seat base without using a flexible pipe and with a relatively simple structure. An anchor for connecting the webbing of the airbelt is rotatably supported on the outer surface of a side plate of a base frame of the seat with a plurality of arcshaped long holes and step bolts passed through the long holes. An inflator is disposed inside the side plate. The gas port of the inflator is substantially coaxial with the rotation axis center of the anchor.

Abstract: An enhanced head-and-neck restraint system is provided for use with a vehicle having a passenger compartment with a seat assembly and a safety belt assembly mounted therein. The restraint system includes first and second collar straps each having an inflatable cushion integrated thereto. A first end of each collar strap is attached to a headrest portion of the seat assembly to transition between a retracted position, in which the collar straps are substantially inside the headrest portion, and a use position, in which each collar strap attaches to a belt webbing of the safety belt system. A fluid dispensing apparatus is in fluid communication with the inflatable cushions, and operable to selectively transition the inflatable cushions from a non-expanded state to an expanded state when the collar straps are in the use position.

Abstract: A method of inflating an airbag with a fluid includes sending a signal to open a first valve and opening the first valve. The method also includes directing a control pressure through the first valve and toward a second valve. The method further includes throttling the second valve in response to the control pressure. The throttling of the second valve produces a variable inflation mass flow rate of the fluid at a second valve outlet. Opening the first valve and closing the first valve are performed as a step function to achieve a desired predetermined variable inflation mass flow rate of the airbag.

Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a diffuser tethered to the membrane of the cushion. The airbag cushion partially expands when an obstruction is encountered and fully expands when no obstruction is encountered. The tethered diffuser is controlled by expansion of the cushion. This permits the cushion to vary the amount of gas vented from the cushion to adjust for out-of-position conditions and normal restraint conditions.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide a device for protecting the cushion material of an inflatable element from inflator gases and particulate matter. The device along with an inflator and an airbag may be placed in a housing. The device includes a first strip and a second strip. Each of the first strip and second strip includes at least one opening. Each of the openings are surrounded by a plurality of holes. The second strip may be placed above the first strip in a suitable position.

Abstract: A volume-filling mechanical structure includes an air bag cushion, an inflator configured to inflate the air bag cushion, and a celled material expandable from a dormant state to a deployed state. The celled material is operably coupled to the air bag cushion and a vehicle structure, wherein deployment of the air bag cushion causes deployment of the celled material from the dormant state to the deployed state.

Abstract: An airbag assembly comprises a tensioning mechanism including a clutch is disclosed. The tensioning mechanism maintains the airbag in a desired position upon installation. In one embodiment, an inflatable curtain is coupled to a spool clutch and fastener via a tether to provide tension along the longitudinal mounting surface of the inflatable curtain during its installation adjacent the vehicle roof rail.

Abstract: In an energy absorbing steering system including a steering shaft to which a steering member is coupled, and a steering column that rotatably supports the steering shaft, at least one of the steering shaft and the steering column includes an impact absorbing portion that contracts when a load equal to or higher than a predetermined value is applied, and the impact absorbing portion includes a first impact absorbing portion having a first impact absorption load, and a second impact absorbing portion having a second impact absorption load different from the first impact absorption load.

Abstract: In a method of making a structural or chassis component for a motor vehicle, a blank is provided with at least one material supply in an outer region at a distance to the outer edge to serve as material reserve. The blank is placed in a press tool for shaping the blank into a structural or chassis component by displacing the material supply in a direction of the outer edge and pressing the outer region of the blank against a buttress of the press tool to thereby form the outer region in a recess of the press tool to produce bead.

Abstract: A seat belt apparatus including a seat belt through anchor including a hanging shaft that a seat belt withdrawn from a retractor is hung on. The seat belt anchor also includes an anchor base that supports both ends of the hanging shaft. The anchor base includes a shaft non-rotatably supported by the anchor base at both ends and a tube body rotatably attached outside the shaft. The seat belt through anchor additionally includes a stopping mechanism for preventing rotation of the hanging shaft when a pressing force of a predetermined magnitude or more is applied to the tube body from the seat belt.

Abstract: A marker pole for embedding in a support medium for drawing attention to potentially hazardous subsurface structures within the support medium includes a generally elongate pole body molded from a generally brightly colored plastic material with a penetrating end formed with a tapered tip for insertion into the support medium, the taper being greater than forty-five degrees from a centerline longitudinal axis of the; and a metal impact cap fitted over the end opposite the penetrating end, the impact cap including a generally cylindrical body having an access opening on one end thereof and a substantially planar surface opposing the access opening, the planar surface being in substantial contact with the upper surface of the pole body for enhanced force transmission between the impact cap and the pole body during insertion of the pole into the support medium using an impact producing tool.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle, a touring motorcycle, is disclosed. The touring motorcycle may include multiple fuel storage tanks arranged in a split side-by-side configuration. The touring motorcycle may include a rear suspension having a linkage which moves in a direction not parallel with a centerline plane of the motorcycle. The touring motorcycle may include a tip-over structure which prevents unwanted tip-over of the motorcycle.

Abstract: The invention concerns an individualized security document (1) and a method of individualizing a security document. The individualized security document (1) has a number of pages (12 to 15) which are connected together by means of stitching or adhesive. In addition integrated into the security document by means of stitching and adhesive is a single-layer or multi-layer film body (2) which is provided with an individualized optical security element and which is folded in the region of the stitching or adhesive. The fold divides the film body (2) into a first part (21) on which the individualized optical security element is arranged and a second, preferably flap-shaped part (22) which is permanently connected to a plastic body having at least one machine-readable security element, wherein the at least one machine-readable security element has an electronic circuit for RF identification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating and authenticating documents having stored electrostatic pattern information provides security with respect to the authenticity of documents. A liquid medium including a plurality of electrostatic monopoles is applied to the surface of a document, which embeds a permanent electrostatic pattern in the document. The pattern is then readable by an electrostatic scanner. The monopoles may be associated with differing colors, including black and white, may be transparent or have a neutral color. The patterns may embed data, certificates or shapes. The monopoles may provide a watermark or visible image. The apparatus may be a pen or printer, and may include multiple selectable vessels containing ink and/or electrostatic liquid medium of one or both charge states. Visible features of the document can be compared with the detected pattern, or the pattern may be compared to a database or decrypted with a key.

Abstract: For connection of pipelines which are subject to vibration, for example pipelines in vehicle exhaust systems, a liquid-tight decoupling element is used which includes a, e.g. multi-layer wound, metal hose and a tube accommodated in coaxial relationship inside or outside of the metal hose. A first axial fitting firmly secures one end of the tube. The tube is sized to protrude into a second axial fitting, regardless whether the metal hose is completely compressed or completely stretched, to allow movement of the tube in axial and torsional directions in relation to the second axial fitting.

Abstract: A fitting for collecting or distributing high-pressure fluid via fluid transmission lines is provided. The fitting includes a body, and a plurality of apertures formed in the body in a common plane, intersecting inside the body such that all of the apertures are in mutual fluid communication. The fitting also includes first and second compression members positioned on opposing sides of the body and coupled thereto so as to exert a compressing bias to the body in an axis perpendicular to the common plane. The compression members each comprise a raised contact surface corresponding to the region of the body where the plurality of apertures meet, and through which the compressing bias is exerted. The fitting may be an elbow-fitting, a tee fitting, a cross-fitting, or some other configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making connections between pipe sections. In one embodiment, a pipe connection consists of a pair of flanges having conically tapered sealing surfaces and a tapered seal ring. A first one of the flanges has a male nose extending forward from the face of the flange, while a second one of the flanges has a female pocket which is recessed into the flange. The seal ring has conically tapered surfaces complementary to those of the flanges so that, when the connection is assembled, a seal is created between the seal ring and each of the flanges. The nose of the male flange extends forward so that, when the connection is assembled, the nose makes direct contact with the pocket of the second flange, forming a substantially gap-free conduit through the flanges.

Abstract: A pipe connecting device (10) for connecting two pipeline portions (12, 14) of an aircraft pipeline system comprises a bridge portion (16), the cross-sectional form of which is matched to a cross-sectional form of the pipeline portions (12, 14) that are to be connected to each other. The pipe connecting device (10) further comprises a first receiving portion (18), which is constituted by two limbs (20, 22) extending from the bridge portion (16) in a first direction, and which is adapted to receive an edge portion (38) of a first pipeline portion (12) of the aircraft pipeline system, and a second receiving portion (24), which is constituted by two limbs (26, 28) extending from the bridge portion (16) in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and which is adapted to receive an edge portion (40) of a second pipeline portion (14) of the aircraft pipeline system.

Abstract: A band coupling for straight line interconnection of flangeless pipes and a built in pipe grip mechanism to resist axial separation forces is provided. The band-clamp coupling comprises an outer housing of cross-section resembling a wide, low-wall channel, the walls thereof facing the center of the pipes, and a low-wall inner channel fitting into the outer channel. The inner channel being provided with spaced-apart inwardly-facing projection adjacent to each of the inner channel walls, each projection having a first sloping side axially facing the line of pipe abutment and a second sloping side axially facing away from the line of pipe abutment. A sloped internally-toothed grip washer is disposed along each of the projection second sides; and a seal member is disposed inside the inner channel and extending along the major portion of the width thereof to abut both the first sides axially facing the line of pipe abutment.

Abstract: A pipe section provided with a socket end part for accommodating a spigot end part of a second pipe section, the spigot end part having a sealing ring and the socket end part configured with an obliquely tapered part having areas of varying dimension for deforming the sealing ring to differing extent along the circumference of the sealing ring when the socket end part engages the spigot end part.

Abstract: A coupling for joining a first pole section and a second pole section is provided. The coupling includes a male portion secured to the first pole section and a female portion secured to the second pole section. The male portion has a first male guide, a second male guide, and a first threaded section between the first and second male guides. The female portion has a first female guide, a second female guide, and a second threaded section between the first and second female guides. The guides are spaced from one another and from the first and second threaded sections so that the first male and female guides are engaged with one another and the second male and female guides are engaged with one another before the threaded sections engage with one another.

Abstract: In a sidewall of a connector frame, a cantilevered lock arm is provided. A lower end of the lock arm is connected to the sidewall with a curved supporting unit interposed therebetween. The lock arm extends upward from the supporting unit with a space. The supporting unit has a slit to increase the flexibility of the lock arm. An engagement protrusion is provided on the lock arm. Moreover, a fitting sidewall is provided in a box body, and a lock wall having a lock protrusion is provided outside the fitting sidewall. The lock protrusion includes a downward-facing engagement surface. A mold hole used in molding the engagement surface is formed between the fitting sidewall and lock wall. An abutment surface is provided at an upper end of the fitting sidewall and contacted with the supporting unit to close communication between the mold hole and the slit.

Abstract: A connecting device (40) for a concealed-type latch of a lock for a panic exit door includes a connecting member (46) having an end (464) operably coupled to a latch (128). A draw rod (48) includes an end (484) pivotably coupled to the other end (462) of the connecting member (46) and pivotable between a first position parallel to the connecting member (46) and a second position perpendicular to the connecting member (46). The connecting device (40) can be installed via an end opening (104) in a top or bottom edge of a door (10) into an interior space (102) of the door (10) with the draw rod (48) in the first position. When the draw rod (48) reaches a side opening (106) of the door (10), it is pivoted to the second position for coupling with a follower device (30) of the lock.

Abstract: A cylinder lock includes a latch retractor housing having inner and outer cover plates, inner and outer drive spindles extending respectively through the inner and outer cover plates, a sleeve surrounding the outer drive spindle and having a flange contacting the outer cover plate, an outer shell surrounding the inner drive spindle and the latch retractor housing, and at least one rigid coupling member or tube disposed within the outer shell and engaging and coupling together the inner and outer cover plates and the flange, thereby reinforcing the outer drive spindle and the latch retractor housing and increasing torsional and compression strengths thereof. A reinforcing ring is further provided to couple the outer drive spindle to the outer handle for reinforcement.

Abstract: A door lock includes upper and lower cam mechanisms mounted on an inner support plate, and a slide plate disposed between the upper and lower cam mechanism. The upper cam mechanism includes a spindle, and an upper cam body mounted on the spindle and having a tab projecting from the upper cam body. The upper cam body is rotatable relative to the spindle to change the tab between a left-hand installation configuration for a left-hand door installation and a right-hand installation configuration for a right-hand door installation. The slide plate has two opposite marginal portions extending respectively into slide passages provided on the inner support plate.

Abstract: A work holding mechanism for horizontally holding a flat work is incorporated in work transport equipment. The holding mechanism includes a base member for supporting the work and a plurality of guide members provided at the base member. Each guide member includes a shaft, a contact portion and a limit portion. The shaft is pivotally supported by the base member. The contact portion comes into contact with part of the lower surface of the perimeter of the work and is pushed down, with the shaft as a fulcrum, when the work is placed on the base member. The limit portion is raised, with the shaft as a fulcrum, to face part of the side surface of the perimeter of the work when the contact portion is lowered.

Abstract: In order to produce a gripping device for a robot or for a gantry loader that can be employed in a flexible manner, it is proposed that the gripping device should comprise at least one linearly displaceable gripping jaw and at least one pivotal gripping connection. The gripping jaw may be linearly displaced along a longitudinal axis of the gripping device by means of a linear drive to grip and release a workpiece. The pivotal gripping connection can be pivotably rotated along a pivotal axis to likewise grip and release a workpiece. In an embodiment, the pivotable gripping connection can be arranged in a plurality of different positions with respect to the housing of the gripping device so that a plurality of different gripping orientations can be achieved.

Abstract: A console and armrest assembly for a vehicle includes a console base defining a first storage area and a first storage opening for providing access to the first storage area. A first intermediate member is configured to selectively close the first storage area opening. The first intermediate member defines a second storage area in a second storage area opening for providing access to the second storage area. A second intermediate member is configured to selectively close the second storage area opening. The second intermediate member defines a third storage area and a third storage area opening for providing access to the third storage area. An armrest cover is configured to selectively close the third storage area opening.

Abstract: A sliding arrangement (31) for supporting a slide out body member of a slide out on a vehicle body in a way that permits the slide out body member to slide relative to the vehicle body between an expanded and a retracted position. The sliding arrangement (31) includes at least one female member (32) mounted on one of the slide out body member and the vehicle body, the female member (32) having an internal surface defining a passage open at one end. The sliding arrangement (31) further includes a male member (30) slidably received within the open end and passage of the female member (32).

Abstract: A compartmentalised skirt for flatbed trucks and utility vehicles including in combination a skirt section for attaching to the flatbed or rear tray of a vehicle, the skirt section incorporating compartments in the skirt section which can be used for the storage of tools and equipment.

Abstract: A sub-assembly of a lift-glass hinge is disclosed. The sub-assembly includes a conductive connection member including a central portion, a first terminal end and a second terminal end; a first conductive lead; and a second conductive lead, wherein each of the first and second conductive leads include a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first conductive lead is connected proximate one of the first and second terminal ends of the conductive connection member, wherein the first end of the second conductive lead is connected proximate the central portion of the conductive connection member. A lift-glass hinge is also disclosed. A vehicle system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A seat row assembly is provided, having a first rail and a first seat movably connected to the first rail. A second seat is moveable between a first position and a second position, such that the second seat in its second position does not occupy the same space as in its first position. The first seat is configured to selectively move from a first position into a second position, in which it occupies space occupied by the second seat in its respective first configuration. A second rail, perpendicular to the first rail, is movably connected to the first rail such that the first seat is selectively movable along both the first rail and the second rail. The seats may be configured to fold to a collapsed configuration. A method of allowing access to a third row of seats in a vehicle having a second row of seats is also provided.

Abstract: A tonneau cover is mounted to the cargo area of a pickup truck by a hinge mechanism positioned at the forward end of the pickup truck cargo area. The hinge assembly has two major components. The first component is a mounting plate that is affixed to each sidewall of the cargo area near the forward extent of the cargo area. The mounting plate includes an alignment mechanism and a mechanism for clamping the second component onto the mounting plate. The base plate also includes slots for engagement by the clamping mechanism of the mounting plate. The articulating mechanism is configured to open the tonneau cover in a nearly vertical direction initially, prior to rotation of the tonneau cover to an open position. An installer can reach in from the side of the truck cargo area and engage the clamps to secure the removable component to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A door hinge for a motor vehicle has a column console that can be arranged on a door frame and a door console that can be attached to a vehicle door, wherein the door console and the column console are connected together as counterpieces at two bearing points arranged spaced from each other in a pin-jointed manner and separable for disassembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an armrest subassembly for a motor vehicle which is designed and provided for arrangement on the interior side of a motor vehicle body. The armrest subassembly comprising an armrest, an adjusting device, a locking device and armrest-side locking means of the locking device. According to the invention, the armrest-side locking means are coupled to the armrest in such a manner that the locking means can be brought into engagement with and can be disengaged from the locking mechanism by a movement of the armrest with a component perpendicular to the adjustment path.

Abstract: A sliding door for a vehicle is provided, the door particularly for a motor vehicle. In some examples, the sliding door comprises an inside, having a guide rail which is mounted in a sliding carriage so as to be longitudinally movable. In further examples, there is a hinge pin on the vehicle, the hinge pin for a hinge coulisse which is provided at the sliding door.