Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Raised Axle and Suspension System that consists of a unique design that is intended to be used on a wide variety of front wheel drive vehicles and trailers by raising the axle overarm to an overhead position. This is accomplished by having the wheels on stub axles attached to a pivoting wheel support castings that are attached to frame attachment members. Angular support members are fixably attached to the frame attachment members and suspension support members that connect to the axle overarm. The axle overarm extends from the left side of the vehicle to the right side. The suspension springs extend between the suspension base members that are pivotally connected to the wheel support castings and the suspension support members along with conventional shock absorbers creating a spring cushioning system.

Abstract: A wind actuated bicycle sail for automatically unfurling a sail assembly to utilize tail winds to facilitate forward movement of a bicycle includes a sail guide member designed for coupling to a bicycle. A sail assembly is coupled to the sail guide member. A sail pivot bracket arm is fixedly coupled to the bicycle and pivotally coupled to the sail assembly. The sail assembly is also slidably coupled to the sail guide member such that the sail assembly moves between an open position and a collapsed position when the sail assembly pivots on the sail pivot bracket arm.

Abstract: An apparatus including a frame with a pivot axis defined thereupon; a drive wheel coupled to the frame; a first and a second foot link operably coupled to drive wheel to transfer power to the drive wheel so as to propel the apparatus, each including a foot receiving portion for receiving an operator's foot, a front end, and a rear end; and an adjustable stride length mechanism coupling the rear end of the foot link to the pivot axis at a radial length, the adjustable stride length mechanism including a plurality of attachment points for adjusting the radial length.

Abstract: An apparatus including a frame with a pivot axis defined thereupon, a crank arm bearing at the pivot axis; a first and a second crank arm coupled to the crank arm bearing; at least two wheels coupled to the frame, at least one of which is a drive wheel; a first and a second foot link, operably coupled to drive wheel to transfer power to said drive wheel so as to propel the apparatus, each foot link including a foot receiving portion for receiving a user's foot, a first end coupled to the frame, and a second end coupled to a respective one of the first and the second crank arms, wherein the foot receiving portion is movable along a generally elliptical path having a stride length greater than 17 inches.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a multi-person tricycle are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle includes two front drive wheel assemblies, each having an independent drive train assembly, and includes a rear wheel assembly operably connected to a steering mechanism which may be simultaneously or independently operated by one or more riders. In at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle may be configured or designed to enable two front riders to sit side-by-side, and further may be configured or designed to enable each rider to independently exert and/or vary his or her own pedaling force and/or pedaling cadence without substantially affecting steering of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanism for shifting a chain from one sprocket to another sprocket is disclosed herein. The mechanism preferably includes rotor assembly, a control element and a chain tensioner. The rotor assembly preferably has a conical shaped body with a chain slot having clearance windows and cam surfaces. The control element rotates the rotor assembly to shift the chain from one of the sprockets to another sprocket without lateral movement of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an attachment structure of a steering damper for a vehicle. The steering damper is provided between a top bridge and a head pipe. The top bridge rotates about a steering stem in conjunction with the operation of a handlebar, while the head pipe does not rotate in conjunction with the operation of the handlebar. In the attachment structure, in a state where the steering angle of the handlebar is zero, the axis of the steering damper forms an obtuse angle with the axis of a bolt to which an upper portion of the steering damper is attached.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing suspension device includes a mounting rod adapted to be mounted on a frame of a wheeled vehicle, a wheel rod adapted to be mounted on a wheel axle to transmit a shock force generated as a result of movement of the vehicle over an uneven road surface, a counteracting member pivotally mounted on the wheel rod, upper and lower linking bars connected to the mounting rod and the counteracting member to form a four-bar linkage mechanism so as to dampen the shock force, and first and second arms pivotally connected to each other and respectively connected to the wheel rod and the mounting rod so as to stabilize movement of the mounting rod in an upright direction.

Abstract: A mounting device is shown for mounting components to a bicycle handlebar having a handlebar axis. The mounting device includes a mounting bracket mountable to the handlebar about the handlebar axis. The mounting bracket includes a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion hingedly connected to the first clamp portion to interiorly receive the handlebar. An interior channel is defined by spaced sidewalls and formed in a portion of the circumferential length of one of the first and second clamp portions, and a hole is formed through the clamp portion and opens to the channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an axle and hub structure for attaching a wheel to a bicycle or motorcycle, where the bearings for rotationally supporting the axle and hub are positioned on the frame, and the axle rotates relative to the frame. In one embodiment, a structure for attaching a wheel to one of a motorcycle or bicycle includes an axle having opposing end portions and supporting a wheel, at least one left axle support collar, at least one right axle support collar, a bearing in the left axle support collar and supporting one end portion of the axle, and a bearing in the right axle support collar and supporting an opposing end portion of the axle. The axle rotates relative to the frame.

Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a frame, gears and two wheels. The frame includes a front vertical tubular portion, a front horizontal tubular portion, a hinge, a rear horizontal tubular portion and a seat-supporting tubular portion. A lopsided portion is disposed above the front fork. One piece of the hinge is welded to the rear end of the front horizontal tubular portion, and another piece is welded to the front end of the rear horizontal tubular portion. The seat-supporting tubular portion is positioned by a positioning rod. Therefore, the foldable bicycle of the present invention may be folded up into a smallest volume and then may be stored away easily through its positioning unit, hinge and positioning rod. Also, its two small wheels fitted to the rear rack enable the bicycle in a folded condition to be moved around easily.

Abstract: A mobile chair assembly includes a pair of wheels rotatably supported by a frame, a seat assembly mounted to the frame; and a transfer board assembly movable between a first position and a second position. The transfer board assembly includes a rigid transfer board and an attachment assembly. In the first position, the rigid transfer board and the attachment assembly are disposed under the seat assembly and in the second position, the rigid transfer board extends laterally from the seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat support pivotable relative to the frame; and a back support pivotably attached to a back of the seat support. In a folded position, the seat support and back support form an acute angle to one another and the seat support is inclined relative to the frame.

Abstract: An adjustable height fifth wheel hitch is provided. The fifth wheel hitch comprises a pedestal and a fifth wheel hitch assembly. The fifth wheel hitch assembly includes journal bearings which pivotally connect with risers of the pedestal. The risers of the pedestal include a plurality of openings located at different levels. The height of the fifth wheel assembly in relation to the tractor may be adjusted by aligning openings in the journal bearings with co-level openings in the risers and inserting a mounting pin through such openings.

Abstract: A folding cart (20) includes a frame (22) having a first extendable leg and a second extendable leg. A bag support (30) connects the first extendable leg with the second extendable leg and defines a first plate (44) adjacent the first extendable leg. A second plate (46) is defined on the bag support (30) adjacent the second extendable leg. A vertical hinge (48) rotatably connects the first plate (44) with the second plate (46) such that the first plate (44) can rotate relative to the second plate (46) about a bag support (30) axis of rotation such that the cart (20) is can be folded when not in use.

Abstract: A collapsible carrier having four corner post members. Framing assemblies extend between adjacent corner post members and form collapsible “X” shaped assemblies. A storage container is suspended within the carrier and a central bracing assembly is disposed above the container. The central assembly includes four rigid members and a centrally located bracket. The carrier can be easily deployed by pressing the centrally located bracing bracket downwardly to lock the carrier into an expanded configuration. The carrier may also include a collapsible shelf. Another collapsible carrier having a hand truck configuration is also disclosed. The hand truck carrier includes a pivotal support structure with hinged cross members. A linkage member extends between the hinges of the cross members to facilitate the collapse of the carrier.

Abstract: Gas generator devices and related assemblies are provided that include adjacently disposed ignition and gas generant chambers. Within the gas generant chamber, a quantity of gas generant material is contained within one or more containers having a perforated side wall and oppositely disposed first and second end walls. The first end wall is perforated and disposed adjacent the ignition chamber to allow communication of at least a portion of the ignition products therethrough and into contact with gas generant material therein contained to ignite the gas generant material to produce a product gas. The second end wall is perforated to allow gas flow communication of the product gas therethrough for discharge from the gas generator.

Abstract: Provided is a small mobile robot which moves back and forth and left and right while keeping its posture by two main wheels. The small mobile robot includes built-in auxiliary wheels to overcome topographical elevation differences. The auxiliary wheels of the small mobile robot are attached to a servomotor. The servomotor is driven by remote control, and the auxiliary wheel can be moved to the position required for operation. When the robot is in a normal state, the auxiliary wheels are retracted in the robot. When the robot meets a stepped topography, the auxiliary wheels are lowered out to contact a ground to support the main wheels going over the stepped topography. The small mobile robot includes a sensor for sensing obstacles and a control module to make a detour around obstacles while moving to a target point.

Abstract: A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.

Abstract: Postage stamp assembly includes a backing substrate having a front face and indicia relating to a game of chance on the front face, a postage stamp having a printed postage value thereon, and adhesive for removably adhering the postage stamp to the front face of the backing substrate. The indicia relating to a game of chance is exposed only when the postage stamp is removed from the backing substrate. The postage stamps are sold at a price higher than the printed postage value and money from the difference between the printed postage value of the postage stamps and the price thereof forms a pool, at least a part of which is used for prizes for the game of chance. Part of the pool might also be used for a charitable purpose or societal benefit, and an indication to this effect printed on the postage stamps.

Abstract: A twistable hydraulic hose joint basically has a hydraulic hose, an O-ring and a fixing bolt. The hydraulic hose includes a connectable end, a distal end, a center passageway extending between the connectable and distal ends, and an abutment part extending radially from an outer surface of the hydraulic hose adjacent the connectable end of the hydraulic hose. The O-ring is disposed on an outer surface of the hydraulic hose between an end face of the connectable end and the abutment part. The fixing bolt includes an external surface with an externally fixed portion and an internal bore. The internal bore has first and second bore sections disposed around the connectable end with the second bore section being smaller than the first bore section to form an abutment surface that faces in an axial direction of the internal bore to abut against the abutment part of the hydraulic hose.

Abstract: An inflatable safety system for a vehicle, the safety system including an inflator assembly and an airbag assembly. The safety system further includes an airbag inflator connector securely connecting the inflator assembly to the airbag assembly. The inflator assembly and the airbag assembly may be connected to one another at a connection in which a male portion that includes a first exterior projection extends into a tube having a second exterior projection. The airbag inflator connector has, among other elements, a first and second reaction surface, such that the first reaction surface is positioned adjacent a surface of the first projection, and the second reaction surface is positioned adjacent a surface of the second projection.

Abstract: A system for conveying fluids, particularly molten polymer in an extrusion melt train. The system has a first element having a first fluid passage. The first element also has a first interface surface thereon, such that the first interface surface is non-orthogonal to the axis of the first fluid passage. The first element also has a first interlocking feature. The system also has a second element having a second fluid passage. The second element also has a second interface surface thereon, such that the second interface surface is non-orthogonal to the axis of the second fluid passage. The second element also has a second interlocking feature. In use, the first element and the second element are placed in a linking position adjacent each other such that the first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second fluid passage.

Abstract: A microfluid system includes at least one flow-through volume, and at least one connector connected to the flow-through volume. The microfluid system includes a structured surface having at least one elevation. Each elevation is a tapered elevation. Each connector is formed in a respective elevation and is configured as a tapered recess.

Abstract: A lock device includes a casing formed in a housing for rotatably receiving a rotary member which has an actuating finger and which is coupled to a handle with a driving shank, and a spring biasing device attached to the housing and engaged with the actuating finger of the rotary member for biasing the handle back to an original position and for biasing the actuating finger of the rotary member back to an original position when the handle is released, the spring biasing device is locked to the housing with a fastener to disengage the follower from the actuating finger of the rotary member when a spring biasing member is engaged between the handle and the housing to bias the handle back to an original position.

Abstract: A pushbutton mechanism includes a case member having an operation surface with a button hole and a pushbutton having an upper surface to be pushed inside the case member in a pushing direction. The upper surface includes a first portion at a front side of the operation surface and a second portion at a rear side of the operation surface. The first portion is formed in a first shape, and the second portion is formed in a second shape different from the first shape along the pushing direction.

Abstract: A handle knob to conduct an opening/closing operation of a front door is provided on an outer-face side of an outer panel, and a handle base to pivotally support the handle knob is provided on an inner-face side of the outer panel. A beltline reinforcement to reinforce an beltline portion of the outer panel is provided on the inner-face side of the outer panel. The handle base is connected to the beltline reinforcement via an connecting portion. Thereby, the support rigidity of the handle base can be increased, thereby properly preventing the handle base from moving by an improper access.

Abstract: A fire poker is provided which is comprised of an elongate shaft, a handle at one end of the shaft and a longitudinal hook member near the second end of the shaft. The shaft has a bend located at a position between the handle and the hook member. Alternatively, the shaft may have a plurality of bends located at positions between the handle and the hook member. The plurality of bends divides the shaft into a plurality of sections, and the section of the shaft that contacts the hook member is preferably in the same plane as the section that contacts the handle. The at least one bend in the shaft of the fire poker provides for a device that is more comfortable to wield, is better from an ergonomic perspective and allows for considerably easier manipulation of the fuel of a fire.

Abstract: There is provided a gripper system for stacked packaged goods. An exemplary gripper system comprises a first gripper unit for gripping a package by a front surface of the package. The exemplary gripper system further comprises a second gripper unit for gripping the package by a second surface that is at a right angle to the front surface, the second gripper unit having a drive device associated therewith, the second gripper unit being adapted to be moved out of a starting position in which the second gripper unit and the drive device as seen from the gripping side of the first gripper unit, are arranged behind the first gripper unit, into a gripping position in which the first gripper unit is positioned for gripping the package by its front surface and the second gripper unit is positioned for gripping the package by its second surface.

Abstract: A tool with quick pop-up tool head includes a body. The body has a handle, a telescopic portion telescopically mounted in the handle, and an operational portion mounted on the telescopic portion such that the operational portion is able to telescopically move relative to the handle. The operational portion has a shoulder disposed on an interior thereof. The telescopic portion has a tool head set mounted therein. The tool head set is selectively engaged with the shoulder and is extendable from the telescopic portion.

Abstract: A hooking device for moving systems of rolling cylinders includes a load-bearing lifting structure of a cylinder provided with a gripping structure and an upper hooking structure suitable for keeping the device in a raised position. The device also includes a non- load bearing tilt compensation structure. The tilt compensation structure includes a series of guides, where each guide is provided with at least one mass element. The at least one mass element is moveable along the guide.

Abstract: A device and method for moving a person who is in distress or incapacitated are disclosed. The device comprises a receptacle in which a long rescue strap is contained. A short segment of one end of the strap exits the receptacle through an aperture in the receptacle where it is attached to a spring hook. Blocking members inside and outside the receptacle prevent sliding of the rescue strap inside and outside the receptacle. The other end of the strap is sewn into an adjustable loop that a rescuer may tightly strap onto his/her wrist. The method comprises tossing the receptacle toward the victim as the rescuer grips the adjustable loop, unwinding the strap from the bag, attaching the spring hook to the victim and pulling the victim to safety.

Abstract: A gripper assembly is provided. The gripper assembly comprises an actuator and a plurality of gripper fingers. The plurality of gripper fingers are slidably mounted on the actuator. The actuator is configured to slide each of the plurality of gripper fingers along a respective radial path perpendicular to a central axis of the gripper assembly. Each of the plurality of gripper fingers comprises a body and a vacuum evacuation path defined within the body. The body is configured to couple the vacuum evacuation path to a vacuum source and to evacuate particles from a grip area of the gripper assembly via the vacuum evacuation path when a vacuum is applied by the vacuum source.

Abstract: A rack with retractable drawers for the bed of a pick-up includes a rack adapted to be supported by the side wall; a drawer brace held by the rack above the truck bed; and a drawer attached to the drawer brace. The drawer extends from and retracts into the rack so as to be accessible from outside of the truck bed. One or more drawers may extend out the sides of the pickup or out the tail gate area.

Abstract: A reconfigurable vehicle console having two substantially rigid end panels, wherein at least one and optionally both of the two end panels consist of a molded material. A pair of substantially rigid side panels are interconnectable with the two end panels. A plurality of face plates are securable with the side panels.

Abstract: An engagement member (29), which is activated by operation of an operating button (40), is configured to be protruded from and retracted into respective positioning recesses (15, 16), facilitating the positional adjustment of a lid (3) and securing a high position-retaining force for the lid (3) in normal use. In order to cope with an accidental external force, a base member (7) includes a cantilever member (51) formed of slits, and the cantilever member (51) has a positioning recess (16) formed in a leading portion such that the cantilever member (51) is flexed to bring the engagement member (29) out of engagement with the positioning recess (16) when a load having a certain value or more is applied through the engagement member (29).

Abstract: A protection device of this type includes a flexible sheetlike structure which is mounted movably between a compactly stored inoperative position and at least one at least partially extended functional position and is provided at the end thereof which is in front in the extension direction with a planar and dimensionally stable contour part which extends substantially over an entire width of the sheetlike structure. Control kinematics are assigned to a movement end region of the contour part shortly before the extended end position is reached, the control kinematics shifting the contour part forwards in the extension direction by an additional extension distance.

Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis, a cab mounted on the chassis, and a body. The body includes a bottom, a top and sides. The sides partially enclose an interior space and define an opening for accessing the interior space. The vehicle also includes a closure moveable between an open position and a closed position and a ladder compartment positioned in the interior space adapted for receiving a ladder having a length of at least about 12 feet. The ladder compartment has a lower surface positioned at a level no more than about 42 inches above ground level. The ladder compartment has an open end facing generally toward the opening. The storage compartment is configured so a ladder can slide longitudinally into and out of the ladder compartment through the open end of the ladder compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat (1) for an armored vehicle, incorporating a back rest (2) integral with a wall or the roof (4) of the vehicle and a sitting part (3) mounted able to pivot with respect to the back rest (2) between a folded position in which it is substantially parallel to the back rest (2) and an unfolded position where it is held by a limit stop and is substantially perpendicular to the back rest (2). This seat is characterized in that the sitting part (3) is connected to the back rest (2) by linking means (6, 8) ensuring, in the event of a predetermined load, the release of the limit stop (8) of the sitting part (3) and its pivoting beyond the unfolded position.

Abstract: A mounting system for a seat of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The mounting system includes a sliding rail, a mounting foot member and a covering member. The covering member includes a covering portion and an attachment portion. The covering portion may cover the mounting foot member. In some cases, the covering portion may cover the mounting foot member mounted in a recessed groove in a floor of a motor vehicle. The attachment portion may engage the sliding rail of the mounting system.

Abstract: A vehicle safety seat system includes a seat, and a frame and support surface that are movable with respect to each other between rest and attenuated positions, wherein the frame and support surface are respectively a first and second distance apart. A biasing mechanism biases the frame and support surface to the rest position between blast and slam down phases. A damper coupled between the frame and support surface has blast and rebound recovery resistance settings. The blast resistance setting is set to a predetermined value based on a weight of a seat occupant. The damper, during the blast phase, resists motion between the frame and support surface toward the attenuated position based upon the blast resistance setting, and after the blast phase and prior to the slam down phase, resists motion between the frame and support surface toward the rest position based upon the rebound recovery resistance setting.

Abstract: A vehicle refueling assembly includes a housing through which an inlet pipe is accessed and a door assembly that can be opened and closed relative to the housing. The door assembly includes a hinge and a decorative panel. The hinge includes a seal received in a ledge of the housing when the door assembly is closed.

Abstract: An electrically-deployable sun visor system for use on motor vehicles wherein the sun visor retracts upward and deploys downward upon a track system, are located on the front windshield and alternately on the side window. The sun visor is operated by a motor-operated gear system wired into the electrical system of the motor vehicle. The sun visor is operated by a dash-mounted switch. The amount of deployment is controlled by holding the switch in either an up or down position for the necessary period of time similar to an electrically operated window.

Abstract: A tarp bar may be an alignment member, a reinforcement member, and a furling control member, without adding substantial weight or complexity to a rolling tarp system. The tarp bar is fixed to the tarp a significant distance from the drive bar and is not motorized or otherwise powered, and is preferably attached only to the tarp material, parallel to the length of the tarp and the bed/trailer. The tarp bar is recessed or otherwise-concave along its length to allow cradling of, and hence parallel orientation of, an already-rolled portion of the tarp. The tarp bar is preferably broader than said already-rolled portion, so that two opposing edges of the tarp bar extend out beyond the diameter of the already-rolled portion so that the combination of the already-rolled portion received in the tarp bar is a non-cylindrical unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a roof, comprising a moving flexible roof region, provided with a cover, embodied such that the roof comprises a further roof region separate from the flexible region and divided into rigid roof sections, whereby in the fully open roof position the flexible roof region lies below a rigid roof section extending over the same in the form of a cover.

Abstract: In a four-seat coupe, it is inconvenient for a rear-seat occupant to get in/out of the vehicle while a front-seat occupant is seated. In the present invention, the length of each door of the four-seat coupe is set, so that the rear-seat occupant can get off/on the vehicle while the front-seat occupant is seated. The door is provided with detachable first opening/closing mechanisms at its front and rear end portions. The first opening/closing mechanism at the front end portion of the door is adapted to be released when the front-seat occupant gets off/on the vehicle to allow the first opening/closing mechanism at the rear end portion of the door to support the door so that opening/closing motion can be performed.

Abstract: An aerodynamic device for a vehicle that can effectively adjust airflow within a wheel house is obtained. A fixed aerodynamic stabilizer device 10 is formed at a vehicle body longitudinal direction rear side of a rotational axis of a front wheel 15 within a wheel house 16, as a step having an airflow collision groove wall that faces downward in a vehicle body vertical direction. This fixed aerodynamic stabilizer device 10 suppresses flowing-in, into the wheel house 16, of airflow F that is generated accompanying the front wheel 15 rotating in a direction of arrow R.

Abstract: Inflatable drag reduction device (20, 22) for vehicles, comprising an inflatable bag of a durable, flexible and generally air-tight material, arranged for attachment to the vehicle. The bag comprises of a plurality of conjoined panels and an air duct arranged for allowing the inflow of air into the interior of the bag when the vehicle is in motion. The bag further comprises internal ribs of a generally non-elastic material attached to the internal surfaces of the panels, that assist the bag in assuming a predetermined geometrical shape in which the panels are prevented from billowing outward.

Abstract: A tractor cabin includes a frame with an upper cabin portion, a front cabin portion, a rear cabin portion and side cabin portions and at least one fairing connected to the frame. The at least one fairing includes at least one air deflector. The deflector is adjustable in its tilt angle with respect to the frame. The deflector includes a deflector body with a variable deflection along a longitudinal elongation of the deflector body. An air deflector is also provided.

Abstract: A self-coiling dent guard for protecting vehicles and other objects from damage caused by unwanted collisions is disclosed. The guard is comprised of a main body adapted to absorb the impact of colliding objects. A bistable spring strip is integrated within the main body of the guard, thus giving the guard its self-coiling properties. When not in use, a user may cause the guard to coil so as to be easily stored. A magnetic strip is attached to the length of the main body such that the guard may be removably attached to a vehicle or other object. A layer of felt covering the bottom of the guard protects the vehicle from being scratched when the guard is applied or removed.

Abstract: A side underride cable system configured to be coupled to a trailer includes a front mounting bracket assembly configured to be coupled to the trailer, a rear mounting bracket assembly configured to be coupled to the trailer at a location spaced-apart from the front mounting racket assembly, and a plurality of cables configured to extend at least partially along a length of each side of the trailer between the front mounting bracket assembly and the rear mounting bracket assembly.