Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.

Abstract: A multi-axle leaf spring suspension having a compliant equalizer. The leaf springs are mounted one behind the other on each side of the vehicle. Adjacent ends of the leaf springs are pivotally attached to the compliant equalizer. The compliant equalizer is pivotally mounted to a vehicle frame. The compliant equalizer comprises a pair of arms that are pivotally connected to each other in a scissor-like fashion. One end of each arm is pivotally connected to the end of a leaf spring. The other end of each arm is cooperatively arranged to contain and compress a spring member between them. The compliant equalizer reduces the magnitude of shocks that would be other wise transmitted to the suspension and frame by absorbing them through compression of the spring member.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide an airbag case at least partly made from a relatively flexible material. The flexible material can be configured to provide the airbag components with the ability to connect to the vehicle and provide a channel to guide the flexible membrane upon expansion. In some embodiments, the airbag case includes a pocket formed from the folded flexible material. The pocket may receive a gas generator and a bag and attached to a cover or dashboard and the vehicle.

Abstract: An air bag assembly mounting system comprising: a fastener having a base plate with a front side and a rear side, a resilient expansion element along the rear side of the base plate which is configured to extend through an opening in a structural member of a vehicle so as to clamp the structural member of the vehicle and through a portion of an air bag or an air bag cover between the rear side of the base plate and the expansion element, the resilient expansion element comprising two co-acting resilient clips each having a center leg extending from the back plate and a resilient outer leg resiliently supported by the center leg; the outer leg, at a distal end, including extending wings which during assembly to the structural member rotate and over-travel the center leg to reduce the dimension between the wings of one of the outer legs and the wings of the other of the outer legs.

Abstract: In a steering column provided with a knee airbag device to a vehicle, an airbag module, which is integrally provided on an airbag door formed separately from a column lower cover, is fitted to a column tube after a steering column body is assembled, and before a steering lock is fitted to the column tube. Then, after the airbag module is fitted to the column tube, a steering column sub-assembly, which is formed by fitting at least the steering lock to the column tube, is fitted to an instrument panel provided in a vehicle at a predetermined position. After the steering column sub-assembly is fitted to the instrument panel, the column lower cover and a column upper cover, which cover a rear end portion of the steering column, are fitted to the steering column.

Abstract: An airbag device comprises an airbag having at least one chamber, which can be filled with gas by a gas generator, and a ventilation opening in fluid communication with the chamber. The ventilation opening is sealed by an airbag section, which is detachably mounted to a fastening member, and is configured as an insertion opening for the gas generator.

Abstract: An air bag system of the invention includes an air bag having a discharge port which discharges part of inflation gas when it opens and an opening and closing control unit which enables the control of opening and closing of the discharge port. The air bag includes a bag main body, a discharge portion provided in the bag main body, and a connecting member which is provided within the bag main body and which is connected to the discharge portion on a bottom portion side thereof and connected to the opening and closing control unit on a tip end side thereof. The discharge portion is withdrawn into the bag main body by the connecting member with the connection of the connecting member with the opening and closing control unit maintained, so as to maintain the discharge port in a closed state, while with the connection of the connecting member with the opening and closing control unit canceled, the discharge portion is made to protrude from the bag main body, so as to open the discharge port.

Abstract: An air bag for a motor vehicle and a method of folding an air bag. The method includes the steps of positioning the air bag, extending the air bag in a first direction, positioning first and second perimeter sections of the air bag toward a center line to create upper and lower pleats, and rolling the air bag in a second direction disposed opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A side airbag cover for holding a folded shape of a side airbag to be stored includes a first cover portion for covering a front inflation portion of the side airbag, the front inflation portion inflating and deploying substantially forward in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle; and a second cover portion for covering a lower inflation portion of the side airbag, the lower inflation portion inflating and deploying substantially downward.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite component comprising an insert made of expanded metal surrounded by foamed material, particularly a steering column collision protection element.

Abstract: A mechanism (30) in a steering assembly (8) allows asymmetry of a steering wheel (8) to be quickly corrected by the driver without use of tools.

Abstract: A tactical quick release seatbelt mechanism that attaches as an after-market enhancement to a pre-existing factory installed seatbelt. The tactical quick release seatbelt mechanism expedites exit from a factory-installed 3-point seatbelt, particularly in an emergency situation. The tactical quick release allows tactical users such as law enforcement, military personnel, drug enforcement personnel, Homeland Security personnel, etc. to exit a vehicle quickly, without delay or snag of tactical equipment (e.g., weapons, communications backpack, etc.) on the 3-point seatbelt, and without the need to take their eye of a given target by looking down for the seatbelt release button.

Abstract: A book cover, formed from an elastomeric polymer material, has pocket portions for receiving the covers of a book. The pocket portions form an elliptically shaped access slot that encases covers inserted into the pocket portion and have peripheral edges that fold over and cover the top and bottom edge of the book spine.

Abstract: A vented gas riser for use in a system for conducting pressurized gas through a gas carrier pipe from a gas supply source line located below ground level to a delivery point disposed above ground is provided. A fluid tight gas riser protective casing is disposed around said carrier pipe and creates a gas escape passageway in an elongate annular space between the carrier pipe and the casing. Any gas which leaks from the gas carrier pipe is captured in the gas escape passageway. A riser transition head, which includes at least one vent passageway, provides a fluid connection with said gas escape passageway and with the atmosphere such that any gas which leaks in the vicinity of the gas escape passageway can escape through the at least one vent into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A refrigerant pipe connected to a suction side of a compressor and a refrigerant pipe connected to a discharge side of the compressor are integrated into one body. A refrigerant pipe connected to an inlet side of a condenser and a refrigerant pipe connected to an outlet side of the condenser are integrated into one body. A refrigerant pipe connected to an inlet side of a decompressor and a refrigerant pipe connected to an outlet side of the temperature detecting portion are integrated into one body. In these piping structures, a double pipe structure and a double pipe joint structure are adopted in which an inner pipe for circulating high pressure fluid and an outer pipe for circulating low pressure fluid are formed separate from each other and the respective end portions of the pipes are joined to a joint member by plastically deforming the pipes.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for connection to a pipe end of pipe made of polymer material includes an inner sleeve which is intended for insertion into the pipe end and for abutment with the inner surface of the pipe end, and an outer sleeve which is intended for abutment with the outer surface of the pipe end and which includes a slot-like opening. The pipe coupling also includes a device for adjusting the opening, and a pre-widening device positioned between the edges of the slot-like opening. The pre-widening device makes the slot-like opening larger such that the inner diameter of the outer sleeve is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe.

Abstract: This connection comprises two elements, male and female, adapted to fit axially in each other, the body of the female element being equipped with a lock mounted to slide and pierced with at least one opening for the fit of the male element. The wall of this opening is equipped with at least one element in relief adapted to cooperate with a corresponding element in relief of the male element in order to retain these elements in fitted configuration. The lock is in two parts and comprises a first part on which may be exerted, from outside the body, an effort of displacement, as well as a second part mobile with respect to the first part and bearing the aforementioned element in relief. A safety member is adapted to block the first part against the effort of displacement, without preventing the displacement of the element in relief with respect to the first part of the connection.

Abstract: A threaded tubular joint comprising male and female members is provided. The ends of the male members comprise an upper portion and a lower portion located between an upper threaded portion and an inner surface of each of the male ends. The upper portion is formed by a thread bevel which transitions into a first rounded area and the lower portion is formed by a second rounded area. A reversibly deformable ring may be housed within a central section of the joint. When the male members are substantially engaged within the joint, the ring is compressed by the ends of the male members.

Abstract: A locking/unlocking device usable with a door operator having a tapered shaft including a first element possessing a surface with a recess. A second element also includes a surface such that a fastener removably holds the first element to the second element to form a unit. The unit includes an aperture formed by the recess to at least partially circumscribe the tapered shaft of the door opener. A moveable foot located on the unit is driven against the door to allow the door operator to be positioned between a locked and unlocked orientation.

Abstract: A door latch operator includes a hand grip actuator lever for retracting one or more latch bolts mounted at a free side edge of a door, such as an entry door for a residence or place of business. The actuator lever is pivotally mounted at an inboard side of a manually grasped handle for grasping and squeezing with the fingers against the door handle to operate a torque converter or cam module for indexing a rotary cam through a rotary step. The rotary cam is coupled to a latch bolt retractor mechanism for retracting the latch bolt or bolts and thereby permit opening of the door. In a preferred form, the latch bolt retractor mechanism operates multiple latch bolts mounted along the free side edge of the door.

Abstract: A sensor assembly of a vehicle includes a substantially horizontal protrusion secured to a body portion of the vehicle and extending therefrom in a direction of an impact input and a crash sensor mounted to the substantially horizontal protrusion, wherein the crash sensor is configured to detect an impact force applied to the body panel by the impact input.

Abstract: A collecting apparatus having a seat, and method of use thereof, wherein the collecting apparatus comprises a plurality of selectively positionable elastic members secured to a plurality of securing points on a lower portion of a frame or a removable base section connected to the frame. The elastic members are secured to user-selected securing points so that the distance between the elastic members can accommodate objects of different sizes. The collecting apparatus is pressed on top of a ball or similar object, causing the elastic members to separate and allow the ball or similar object to enter and be retained within the frame. Upon entering of the object within the frame, the elastic members retract to their original position, therein preventing the object from falling back out. Objects can be retrieved by lifting the seat or reaching through an aperture formed by a seat opening and a frame front opening.

Abstract: A long-handled shovel includes a head having a blade and a socket and an elongate handle member partially extending into the socket of the head. The handle member is a tube. A rod partially extends into the handle member and partially extends into the socket to provide resilient flexing between the head and the handle member when prying forces are applied thereto. A collar encircles the socket to limit outward expansion of the socket. A continuous outer layer of plastic material is molded over the entire length of the handle member and at least partially molded over the socket and the collar. The outer layer provides added strength by extending over the joint between the handle member and the socket.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending a log comprises a cable having at one end a knob to be hitched into a hitching body. The hitching body which is provided for this purpose with a longitudinal opening is pivoted to a swivel head between a closed position in the swivel head and a release position swiveled out of the swivel head. The swivel head has a sliding eye through which the cable is slidingly guided. With a locking device the hitching body is locked in the closed position. For actuating the locking device, an actuator is provided which is driven with a remote control. The longitudinal opening of the hitching body has an enlargement at its end facing away from the swivel pin for hitching and unhitching the cable end with the knob in the closed position. Below the enlargement a support for the hitched knob is provided. The locking device has a locking bolt which engages a notch in the hitching body .

Abstract: A component assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a main wall and a tab extending outwardly from the main wall. The tab has an aperture extending therethrough. The second component has a support wall and a tab receiver extending outwardly from the support wall. The tab receiver lockingly engages the tab to interconnect the first component and the second component. The tab receiver has an end wall and a pair of guide walls extending from opposite ends of the end wall. The guide walls are spaced apart to receive the tab therebetween. The tab receiver has a retaining member disposed between the side wall and extending outwardly from the support wall. The retaining member extends through the aperture of the tab when the tab is fully received between the side walls.

Abstract: An armrest arrangement for a motor vehicle door includes an armrest which is adjustable in a direction of adjustment, a guide device, at least one slide movably guided on the guide device in the direction of adjustment, at least one coupling element, via which the armrest is connected to the slide, a locking mechanism, by which the armrest is lockable in a previously set position of adjustment along the guide device, and a door lining, which extends two-dimensionally between the slide and the armrest and which is penetrated by the at least one coupling element. The locking mechanism is unlockable by a movement of the armrest in an unlocking direction. The armrest is mounted such that an unlocking movement of the armrest is coupled in the unlocking direction to a second movement by which the armrest is moved away from the door lining.

Abstract: Load carrier mountable above a bed structure of a vehicle having an upper surface and an internal bed rail system is disclosed. The load carrier broadly includes an upright base support member, an internal rail clamping assembly, and a clamp adjustment assembly. The upright base support member rests upon the upper surface of the side wall of the bed structure and connects with the internal rail clamping assembly. The upright base support member has a first clamp surface for asserting a clamping force upon the upper surface of the side wall of the bed structure. The rail clamping assembly is releasably securable to the internal bed rail system and includes a second clamp surface for asserting a clamping force upon the internal bed rail system. The clamp adjustment assembly positionally adjusts the first clamping surface with respect to the second clamping surface between clamped and unclamped positions.

Abstract: An object is to enhance the sound absorbing functions of an interior member, and furthermore, to increase ease of assembly of the interior member, and the interior member for the cab is integrally formed so as to have a laminated structure where a sound absorbing material is contained between an outer layer material and a foundation body panel, or inside a foundation body panel. In addition, such an interior member is formed in accordance with a reaction injection molding method.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle includes a first seat arranged on the vehicle and a second seat arranged behind the first seat. The vehicle includes a first floor arranged in front of the first seat and a second floor arranged between the first seat and the second seat wherein an engine is at least partially arranged between the first floor and the second floor with an exhaust pipe connected to the engine and having a first vertical pipe portion extending downward from a connecting portion to the engine and a horizontal pipe portion extending backward below the second floor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle seat device operating as follows. A retracting instruction is given by a seat switch to start operation of a seat back actuator. Lock of the seat back and a seat cushion is released to rotate the seat back to the position where it is overlapped with the seat cushion. A floor actuator is driven to release engagement between the floor panel and the floor lock. A lift up motor is operated to lift up the vehicle seat device toward the vehicle body. After this, a dragger lock motor is operated to lock a striker on the seat back rear surface and the dragger unit, thereby completing the retraction operation.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided for use in a vehicle interior, and includes a frame and lower and upper bracket assemblies. The lower bracket assembly is connected to a lower portion of the frame, and selectively moves the frame in a longitudinal direction with respect to the vehicle interior. The upper bracket assembly is connected to an upper portion of the frame, and has a slot which receives a selector pin for selectively pivoting the upper portion of the frame with respect to the lower portion of the frame. A moveable linkage is connected to the upper bracket assembly and moves the selector pin for adjusting between different passenger seating positions. An adjustment mechanism includes a lever for moving the moveable linkage via a cable. The seat assembly can include a deployable storage bin positioned between the bulkhead and a seat surface.

Abstract: A motorcycle wind deflector is removably secured to each crash bar of a motorcycle, extending upward from the crash bar. The wind deflector is secured to the crash bar in a manner that permits a leather or fabric splash guard to be simultaneously attached to the crash bar. The wind deflector extends upward a sufficient distance to deflect wind away from a rider's legs, while remaining sufficiently small to avoid creating an unattractive appearance for the motorcycle. The entire guard assembly may be removed and stowed in a saddle bag or other similar container when not in use.

Abstract: A gas fuel filling lid device for a vehicle using a high-pressure gas as the fuel has a fuel filling opening for filling the vehicle with the high-pressure gas fuel, a lid openably attached to the vehicle and covering the fuel filling opening, and a cap for the fuel filling opening. The filling opening cap is fitted to the inner surface of the lid and is connected to and disconnected from the fuel filling opening in operative association with opening and closing of the lid. The structure prevents the user from forgetting to close the filling opening cap and facilitates the connection and disconnection of the filling opening cap.

Abstract: A retractable roof device for a vehicle, including a roof panel configured to be displaced by a guide, moving from a closed position covering the passenger compartment of the vehicle to a retracted position in a rear area of the vehicle. The device also includes a cover structure. The controlled displacement of the roof between the closed position and the retracted position causes displacement of the rear cover structure and/or part of the passenger compartment such that the rear cover structure and/or passenger compartment part allows the roof panel and guide to be displaced.

Abstract: A retractable roof device for a vehicle, including a roof panel configured to be displaced by a guide to move from a closed position in the passenger area of the vehicle to a retracted position in a rear area of the vehicle. The device also includes a rear cover structure that includes closing shutters. The closing shutters can be automatically controlled between a position in which they are deployed and a position in which they are stored.

Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle having a body panel comprises, in combination, a glazing panel having a peripheral edge, a gasket secured to the glazing panel for sealing the peripheral edge to the body panel, at least one clip receiver secured to the glazing panel near the peripheral edge, and at least one fastener clip clamping the clip receiver to the body panel. The fastener clip is preferably U-shaped having a pair of resilient legs receiving the body panel and the clip receiver therebetween. The fastener clip is preferably secured to the clip receiver in a manner in which the fastener clip is movable between a shipping position and a securing position. A detent is preferably formed between the fastener clip and the clip receiver to resist removal of the fastener clip from the clip receiver.

Abstract: A water shield for a door of a vehicle includes a main body with at least one sealing portion for sealing to the door. The water shield also includes at least one rib coupled to the main body for increasing stiffness of the water shield.

Abstract: An operator cab for heavy equipment is described to prevent a sliding door mounted on the cab from rocking or rattling in X, Y, and Z-axis directions due to a shock or vibration applied to the cab in a state that the sliding door is fully opened.

Abstract: Motor vehicle with a body having a floor structure and at least one reinforcing element for reinforcing the floor structure, wherein the reinforcing element is designed wave-shaped, wherein the waves run across the vehicle longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having a roof opening defined in a stationary roof part includes a roof assembly having a movable panel for opening and closing said roof opening, with a slide which is movable along a stationary slide guide and which is provided with panel engagement device cooperating with a panel curve of the movable panel, wherein a movement of the slide is capable of generating a tilting and/or sliding movement of the panel. The roof assembly further includes a locking lever which by means of a hinge point is connected to the panel and which is provided with slide engagement device cooperating with a slide curve of the slide.

Abstract: A folding chair that may be positioned in a folded position or a working position. The chair includes a front leg assembly that has first and second legs and a rear leg assembly that has third and fourth legs with first and second shafts slidably mounted therein. The first and second shafts are pivotably attached to the front leg assembly. A first cap is mounted on a pivot end of each of the third and fourth legs. A second cap is mounted on a proximal end of each of the first and second shafts. The second caps engage the first caps when the chair is in the working position and the first and second caps are spaced apart from each other when the chair is in the folded position. A locking assembly connects to at least one of the first and second shafts.

Abstract: A fan module for a vehicle seat, comprising a housing which defines at least one portion of an air-conducting duct and accommodates an air conveyor providing, in a position of use, an airflow inside the duct. To reduce disturbances caused by noise during the operation of the fan module it is proposed that the housing and/or the duct comprises at least one sound outlet opening in the flow direction of the airflow downstream behind the air conveyor and transversely with respect to the flow direction of the airflow, which is covered by a sound-absorbing material.

Abstract: A multifunctional fisherman chair includes a chair with pivotally attached seat and back sections selectively articulated between folded and unfolded positions. Such a chair further has a support frame connected to the seat section and spaced from the back section respectively. Such a support frame is selectively adapted between collapsed and extended positions in such a manner that the support frame lays generally coplanar with the seat and back sections when adapted to the collapsed position. The present invention further includes a mechanism for holding the plurality of existing fishing rods adjacent to the seat section in such a manner that the existing fishing rods extend upwardly and forwardly therefrom. A mechanism is included for automatically notifying a user when a fish takes bait from at least one of the plurality of existing fishing rods.

Abstract: A base for fixing the safety seating system in a passenger car has an external guiding member that more than equatorially encompasses an internal guiding member for a direct spherical guiding of a removable seated newly born infant. The infant is seated with respect to the geometrical pivoting center and an overall mass axis of the rotating portions such that neck bending and head whip lashing are minimized during a vehicle crash. The encompassing spherical and direct guiding provides for a free impact aligned reorientation of the seated infant unimpeded by adjacent elements of the car that are eventually forced into contact during crash. The direct spherical guiding provides also for a lightweight construction of the rotating portions with low momentum of inertia and consequently high responsiveness of the safety seating system.

Abstract: A frame structure of a seatback for a vehicle includes a first frame including at least two panels and a divided portion therebetween and a second frame including tubing and bonded to the first frame substantially along a periphery of the first frame. The second frame includes an elongation deformation allowing portion for allowing a portion of the second frame to be elongated over the divided portion of the first frame in an upper side portion when a predetermined load is exerted on the seatback toward a rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A child seat attached to a vehicle seat comprises a base platform which is attached on the vehicle seat and comprises a guide groove; and a child seat body which comprises a bottom face and a guided member which is fixed on the bottom face. The guided member being slidably engaged with the guide groove. The guide groove comprises a curved portion. The child seat can turn to a substantially lateral direction to a moving direction of a vehicle by the guided member being guided along the curved portion.

Abstract: A child seat includes: a base member; a seat body switchable at least between a forward facing state and a sideways facing state in a bed shape on the base member; a prop or strut member attached to a front end of the base member and extending to a position where the prop member abuts on a floor of an automobile; and a rigid bar-shaped support member supported by the prop member so as to be displaceable between an upper position and a lower position. A side engagement portion is provided in a side surface of the seat body. The side engagement portion engages with the support member when the support member is brought to the upper position in the sideways facing state in the bed shape.

Abstract: A seat which may be adjusted in its longitudinal direction, in particular a vehicle seat, contains a seat cushion with a front part and a rear part. The front part may be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the seat and in its height relative to the rear part. The front part is guided for adjustment in two rails which are arranged obliquely to a seat surface of the rear part of the seat cushion.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a cantilever having a distal end and a proximate end, a frame portion coupled to the distal end, a base portion coupled to the proximate end, and a locking apparatus coupled to the frame portion, the base portion, or the cantilever, wherein the locking apparatus has a locked position and an unlocked position, and wherein the locking apparatus prevents the frame portion from tilting relative to the base portion when the locking apparatus is in the locked position.

Abstract: A seat position-adjusting device is used to connect adjustably a seat to a leg unit of a highchair, and includes a tube component, a slide seat and a locking unit. The tube component is sleeved on the leg unit, and is formed with positioning holes aligned along a tube axis. The slide seat is sleeved on the tube component, and is connected to the seat. The locking unit includes a latch disposed in the slide seat, pivoted to the slide seat, and pivotable between locking and unlocking positions to engage and disengage a selected positioning hole to thereby selectively lock and unlock the slide seat relative to the tube component.