Abstract: A system for the transportation of wind turbine components with a vehicle, especially for the transportation of large wind turbine components, is provided. The vehicle includes at least two wheelsets, a first end frame connected to a first wheelset and a second end frame connected to a second wheelset. The vehicle further includes a support structure for carrying at least one wind turbine component, wherein the support structure is adapted to be detachably connected to the first end frame and/or to the second end frame. Thereby, the wind turbine component is connected solely to the support structure in a fixed but detachable manner.

Abstract: A mounting (10) for a jockey wheel assembly has a first member (14), a second member (18) and a locking pin (32). A release handle (42) is connected at a first location to the locking pin (32) for drawing the locking pin (32) along a generally linear path and has a contact portion (52) remote from the first location. The contact portion (52) is for engagement with a bearing surface allowing the handle (42) to be rotated relative to the locking pin (32) about the first location whilst the contact portion (52) slides relative to the bearing surface.

Abstract: A quick release assembly for remotely actuating operative disconnection between vehicles by decoupling a hitch assembly having a telescopic and swiveling probe assembly carried in a housing assembly and mounted on the towed vehicle. In one embodiment, the release assembly includes an actuator remotely controlled from the towing vehicle that releases the components retaining the probe assembly in the housing. In another embodiment, an actuator remotely controlled from the towing vehicle decouples the entire hitch assembly from the associated vehicle. In both instances, the towing vehicle may resume movement clear of the towing vehicle. Thereafter, the probe assembly and/or the hitch assembly may be recoupled for subsequent use.

Abstract: A trailer hitch is disclosed. Said trailer hitch comprises a first bracket assembly, a second bracket assembly, a coupler assembly, and a jack assembly. Said jack assembly is capable of mechanically adjusting first bracket assembly relative to second bracket assembly. Said coupler assembly is capable of releasably attaching to a hitch on a vehicle.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a first hinge element, a second hinge element, and a locking element. The first and second hinge elements each include a plate portion and a plurality of substantially parallel fingers spaced from one another. The pluralities of substantially parallel fingers interlock with one another along a pivot axis such that the first and second hinge elements are rotatable relative to one another about the pivot axis between an extended position and a folded position. The locking element extends substantially parallel to the pivot axis and may be configured to releasably engage a receiving portion in one of the pluralities of substantially parallel fingers when the first and second hinge elements are in the extended position to lock the first and second hinge elements relative to one another. A collapsible ascension ski having such a hinge mechanism as well as related methods and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a binding apparatus for use on a splitboard. The binding apparatus may be used to change the splitboard between a snowboard for riding downhill in a ride mode and touring skis for climbing up a hill in a tour mode. The binding apparatus can include at least one board joining device. The binding apparatus can also include a binding interface configured to receive a boot and selectively attach to a ride mode interface in a snowboard configuration and to a tour mode interface in a ski configuration.

Abstract: A stroller capable of reducing dimensions upon folded, while maintaining a rigidity is proposed. A stroller includes: a core member; a front leg that is swingably connected to the core member and extends downward from the core member toward the front; and a pair of rear legs that are swingably connected to the core member and extend downward from the core member toward the rear. The pair of rear legs are arranged in a vehicle width direction, and are, in the used condition, separated away from each other, as a certain point on each rear leg separates away from the core member. An end of the front leg on the opposite side to the core member and ends of the rear legs on the opposite side to the core member are located on positions closer to each other in a folded condition than in a used condition.

Abstract: A stroller includes a seating portion; a hub coupled to the seating portion; and at least one wheel coupled to the hub. A first portion of the seating portion is configured to telescopingly extend from a second portion of the seating portion, such that the first portion is extended from the second portion when the seating portion is in a first, open position, and the first portion is configured to slide within the second portion when the seating portion is in a second, closed position such that the seating portion becomes shorter in both length and width when in the second, closed position. A top portion of the seating portion is narrower than a central portion of the seating portion.

Abstract: A recreational cart assembly is provided for facilitating transportation of multiple items desired for use at a recreational site such as a park or beach. The assembly includes a basket having a back panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, and a pair of side panels. The side panels extend between the front panel and the back panels. The bottom panel extends between the side panels and between the front panel and the back panel. A plurality of wheels and a handle are coupled to the basket. The basket also has a plurality of openings. A collapsible chair is provided having a hook. The hook is inserted through and engages an opening in the basket whereby the chair is coupled to the basket.

Abstract: A baby carriage is disclosed in the invention, the baby carriage comprises a folding frame, a seat disposed on the frame, a locking mechanism for locking the frame when it is unfolded, front and rear wheel assemblies disposed at the bottom of the frame. The frame comprises: front brackets; seat rods with front portions being connected to the front brackets; push rods with lower portions being rotatably connected to the upper portions of the front brackets or the front portions of the seat rods; rear brackets with lower portions being rotatably to seat rods; and sliding elements for connecting the upper portions of push rods with the upper portions of the rear brackets. The sliding elements are slidably disposed on one of the push rods and rear brackets, and rotatably connected to the other one. The seat is set on the seat rods.

Abstract: A method of forming a fabric for an air-bag, the method comprising providing a plurality of yarns, each yarn being formed from a plurality of individual fibres; applying an activatable additive or coating to each yarn, the additive or coating initially not being activated and wherein, prior to activation, the additive or coating presents little or no impedance to the relative movement of the fibres within the yarn and, following activation, the additive or coating binds fibres within the yarn to one another to prevent or hinder relative movement of the fibres in the yarn with respect to one another; and passing the yarns through an activation zone including a compressing component which applies a compressive force to the yarns, the additive or coating being activated as the yarns pass through the activation zone so that the yarns each have a substantially flat configuration.

Abstract: A sleeve attachable to the belt of a vehicle restraint system is provided. The sleeve is loose and not form fitted to the belt to reduce the frictional wear of the sleeve with respect to apparel. In one aspect, a strip of material connects the sleeve to the fastener such that the sleeve moves with the belt. In another aspect, an inner sleeve is tightly formed to the belt such that the sleeve moves with the belt.

Abstract: An active safety apparatus for vehicles and a method of controlling the apparatus, which can actively control the operation of a safety device, such as an airbag device or a seatbelt device installed in a vehicle for restraining a passenger behavior and protecting a passenger in a vehicle collision, based on the conditions of a vehicle collision and the passenger behavior which vary depending on the conditions of the vehicle collision, thereby optimally protecting the passenger for the conditions of the vehicle collision and improving passenger safety of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pressure sensor, which detects a pressure in a space close to an inner side of an exterior member of a vehicle, and an occupant protecting device, which protects an occupant inside a vehicle are provided. An electronic control unit determines an occurrence of collision in the case where the pressure and a change per unit time of the pressure each satisfy a collision condition, and then makes the occupant protecting device operate. At this time, the collision condition is set to restrict the determination indicative of an occurrence of collision unless the change per unit time of the pressure is larger with lowering the pressure.

Abstract: A castor wheel for a vehicle or an attachment for a vehicle, the castor wheel comprising; a wheel having an axle about which the wheel can rotate, an offset pivot mounting for mounting the castor wheel to the vehicle or vehicle attachment, the pivot mounting being connected to the wheel axle and defining a pivot axis perpendicular to and offset from the wheel axle, the wheel capable of pivoting about the pivot axis, and wherein the castor wheel also comprises a restrainer for restraining the pivoting of the wheel is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides construction that keeps the load required for a locking capsule 50d that is supported by the steering column to come out in the forward direction from a locking hole 48b that is formed in a fastening bracket 11e on the vehicle side low. Small through holes 52e are formed in a flange section 51d of the locking capsule 50d. Small notch sections 62a that are each open toward the inside of the locking hole 48b are formed in portions of the fastening bracket 11e on the vehicle side around the locking hole 48b that are aligned with each of the small through holes 52e. Injection molding is performed to inject synthetic resin 72 such that the synthetic resin 72 spans between these small through holes 48b and small notch sections 62a, and connects the locking capsule 50d and the fastening bracket 11e on the vehicle side.

Abstract: A seat belt system includes a storage case including a main body having a box shape and a storage portion, the main body having an opening formed thereon through which first and second tongues are inserted, the first tongue being attached to an end of a belt and to be connected to a first buckle on a seat side, the second tongue being movably attached to the belt and to be connected to a second buckle on the seat side, and a storage portion formed in a shape tapered in an insertion direction of the first and second tongues, protruding from the main body and including first and second inclined surfaces that are formed on both sides of a surface opposite a surface having the opening formed thereon and are inclined to guide insertion of the first and second tongues.

Abstract: An anchor pre-tensioner for seat belt of vehicle improves phenomenon in which a webbing of seat belt is caught in belly of passengers during collision by the vehicle. The anchor pre-tensioner may include: first second wires connected to a lower end of the webbing respectively; a driving cylinder having a piston coupled to ends of the first and second wires; a gas generator supplying a gas pressure for the forward movement of the piston; a first roller supporting the first wire to move in the direction oblique against the bottom of the vehicle during the forward movement of the piston; and a second roller supporting the second wire to move downward when the piston moves forward; wherein the forward movement of the piston pulls the webbing of the seat belt in the direction where the first wire moves and at the same time in the direction perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: A robot cleaner includes wheels mounted at a lower side of a main body of the robot cleaner to allow for traveling of the main body, and wire winding prevention members mounted at the lower side of the main body, each wire winding prevention member having one end extending to be contactable with a rim of the corresponding wheel. The wire winding prevention member is preferably a torsion spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element (12) for securing value objects, with a thin film element (22) with color shift effect; a semitransparent ink layer (34), which is disposed on top of the thin film element (22) in first zones (30), wherein the color impression of the thin film element (22) is coordinated with the color impression of at least one subzone of the semitransparent ink layer (34) when viewed under predefined viewing conditions; and a transparent phase delay layer (36), which is disposed on top of the thin film element (22) in second zones, and which forms a phase-shifting layer for light in the visible wavelength range.

Abstract: A conduit connector device includes an open-ended sleeve with aligned openings through upper and lower walls of the sleeve for insertion of a fastener to secure the lower wall of the sleeve to a support. A cover member or bridge is inserted into the sleeve between two conduit ends to cover the opening in the upper wall after the lower wall is attached to the support, restricting access to the previously inserted fastener. The ends of two adjacent lengths of conduit to be connected are inserted into opposite ends of the sleeve to abut the opposite ends of the bridge, and the adjacent lengths of conduits are thereby attached to the support.

Abstract: A sealing member is disclosed having an outer surface that supports segments of a pipe coupling for joining pipe elements in end to end relation. The segments are supported in spaced relation to permit the pipe elements to be inserted into the coupling without disassembly. The sealing member is a flexible ring that has conical lips around its inner circumference to engage and guide the pipe elements into the coupling. A tongue extends radially inwardly between the lips, the tongue having conical shoulders which engage and guide the pipe ends. The tongue locates the coupling segments relatively to the pipe elements.

Abstract: The tube (60) includes first and second portions (66, 58) that each have mating spherical sections (82, 84) at adjacent ends (72, 74) of each portion (66, 68). The second portion (68) includes a spring sleeve (92) configured to surround an outlet end (72) of the first portion (66). A spring (102) is captured inside the spring sleeve (92) and secured between a retaining clip (100) and a shoulder (88) protruding from the exterior surface of an outlet end (72) of the first portion (66) to maintain fluid seals between the spherical sections (82, 84). The spherical sections (82, 84) permit slidable motion relative to each other thereby facilitating rotational and angular motion between the tube portions (66, 68). One of the two portions (66, 68) may include a telescope mount (110) to permit limited axial motion of the tube (60).

Abstract: A swivel joint includes a pipe part and a swivel nut. The pipe part has a first end and a second end and the swivel nut has a first end and a second end. The swivel nut is positioned on the pipe part such that the first end of the swivel nut forms a swivel connection with the first end of the pipe part. The swivel nut and the pipe part include shoulders against each other for preventing separation of the swivel nut from the pipe part. The swivel nut is made such that the swivel nut and the pipe part are connected together by pushing the first end of the swivel nut towards the first end of the pipe part whereby the swivel nut and the pipe part are connected by a snap joint.

Abstract: A door-locking device for locking a door of a household appliance, the door providing a closure hook, and at least a gasket provided on the door and/or on the household appliance. The device providing a locking hook, coupling with the household appliance closure hook, a slider, movable along a direction substantially parallel to a household appliance wall on which the door is provided, a recovery lever compensating for clearance of the gasket sealing closure, and a mechanical coupling for the locking hook and the recovery lever, the locking hook being rotably coupled with the mechanical coupling and being movable according to a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to the movement direction of the slider, an elastic arm being further provided in a second embodiment, aiming to maintain the mechanical coupling in a door closure position, and interaction elements arranged between the slider and the mechanical coupling for locking each other in the door closure position.

Abstract: A fastener for a transport container includes two portions to be connected and wherein the fastener includes a fastener flange arranged in a first cup and a displaceable fastener hook tiltably arranged in a second cup, the hook engaging behind the fastener flange in a closed position, it is provided in that at least one spring is disposed such that the fastener hook is pushed toward the bottom of the second cup into a rest position.

Abstract: An interrupt structure of a power latch includes a cinching lever enabling automatic latching, a detecting lever having one end rotatably mounted at the cinching lever and the other end including an outer wall having gear teeth formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof, a gear part engaged with the gear teeth formed on the outer wall of the detecting lever, and a detecting auxiliary lever rotatably mounted at the other end of the detecting lever and having one end engaged with the gear part and the other end protruded outwardly. Therefore, the detecting lever is operated in an opposite direction to an operation direction according to the related art to prevent generation of interference with the cinching lever, thereby making it possible to decrease noise. In addition, rigidity of a detecting lever avoidance section formed at the cinching lever is reinforced, thereby making it possible to improve durability.

Abstract: A security seal using a captured lock wire for sealing a device in a manner revealing tampering with the seal includes a locking insert that fits closely within a central cavity of an outer body and is locked within the outer body against removal without visible damage to the insert or the outer body using locking fingers on the insert that cooperate with locking abutments in the cavity that permit insertion of the locking insert into the central cavity but not removal there from. A free end of the lock wire is captured by being threaded through apertures and grooves in the insert and outer body after being secured to a device to be sealed.

Abstract: An actuating handle for a window or door including a fixing element coupled to a socket, the socket being selectively rotatable relative to a stop plate. The fixing element will allow insertion of a polygonal driver coupled to a handle from one direction through the socket, thereby rotationally coupling the handle and the socket, but will not allow the polygonal driver to be withdrawn in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A self-adjusting striker assembly, for use with a box having a lid, a box body and a latch, includes a striker bar mounted to the lid which is operative to move linearly relative to the latch in the event of misalignment between the lid and box body.

Abstract: An animal waste collection device is able to illuminate the area where a pet has left fecal matter at night by a battery operated lighting system build into the device. The device consists of two separate lighting systems, one operated by either of two momentary switches located in the handle of the device located on the right end and the left end of the handle. When either button is depressed the general area where the pet has left the fecal matter is illuminated by two LED lights, one of each side of the device. The operator will pull the operating handle upward to open the two opposing jaws of the device. On the opening of the jaws, two additional LED lights will illuminate, activated by a micro switch sensing the opening of the waste collection jaws over the fecal matter being collected. On collection of the fecal matter into the hopper of the device, the operator releases the activation handle and the two LED lights illuminating the hopper area turn off.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling a wheel of large mass from a storage position to enable its mounting onto the hub of a vehicle, wherein the method includes placing a tire in a handling device having two ends which are of substantially equal length, the length being longer than the perimeter of the wheel, between two ends of the handling device, bringing together the ends of the handling device so as to imprison the wheel within the handling device, and hooking the ends of the handling device into a handling and lifting device.

Abstract: A robot system capable of purposely withdrawing a workpiece into a hand, and capable of sequentially and effectively taking out the workpiece, even when workpieces are randomly located. A hand has a base part attached to the front end of a robot arm, at least two fingers pivotally attached to base part, and a roller device arranged at a front end of each finger. The roller device is a rotating belt device having a small motor arranged in the finger, a driving roller driven by the motor via a drive transmitting means, and a driven roller rotated with the driving roller via a belt.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an automotive interior component includes the steps of: providing a mold apparatus comprising a first mold component and a second mold component; providing a substrate; applying a first layer of a soft-touch material to the substrate; applying a second layer of a fabric to one of the first mold component and the second mold component of the mold apparatus; forming a self-skinning foam layer, wherein a first surface of the self-skinning foam layer is configured for bonding to the first layer and a second surface of the self-skinning foam layer is configured for bonding to the second layer; and fastening the substrate, the first layer, the second layer together. Additional methods of manufacturing automotive interior components and automotive interior components are also provided.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatus relating to a modular data center. In some embodiments, a modular data center includes one or more data modules. The modular data center includes a network module connected to the one or more data modules, the network module containing equipment for facilitating data communications by the one or more data modules. The modular data center includes a power module connected to the one or more data modules and the network module, the power module containing electronics equipment for conditioning and distributing power to the one or more data modules and the network module.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a mobile medical facility capable of treating, diagnosing and performing minor surgery on multiple patients at one time. In general, the facility includes a health care area which is interchangeable between a first transportable configuration and a second, operational configuration. In the operational configuration, the health care area is expanded and capable of providing general care or diagnostic facilities to multiple patients as well as registration, counseling and triage to at least one patient. Preferable a row of patient treatment bays are provided with intake, counseling and triage cubicles and storage areas.

Abstract: A cargo stake is disclosed which may be secured in a stake hole without the need of inserting a pin or bolt underneath the cargo bed. In a preferred embodiment, a latching mechanism is provided internal to a cargo stake body made from box steel tubing. The latching mechanism includes a latching member which can protrude perpendicular to the axis of the cargo stake at the lower end of the cargo stake, and the latching mechanism is operable through the upper open end of the cargo stake. In a preferred embodiment the latching mechanism is spring loaded and automatically latches in place upon insertion.

Abstract: A tailgate outside handle assembly may include a housing installed in an outer panel of a tailgate, an actuator unit, a manipulating handle installed in the housing and having a manipulation portion in a front surface thereof, and a hinge shaft that may be coupled to a top end portion of a rear surface of the manipulation portion, wherein a bottom end portion of the manipulation portion may be engaged with the actuator unit and selectively rotated about the hinge shaft such that after the manipulation portion may be withdrawn to the outside of the housing by a driving force of the actuator unit when the tailgate may be to be opened, the manipulating handle works as a handle.

Abstract: A cover assembly includes a roller member rotatably supported by a bracket assembly on one end of the intake hopper of an agricultural conveyor such that a sheet member rolled onto the roller member can be unrolled to span across the intake opening. The cover assembly also includes a support frame pivotally coupled to the intake hopper between a working position and a stored position. In the working position a portion of the frame is centrally located above the intake opening and protrudes upwardly beyond respective sides of the housing of the intake hopper to support the sheet member to slope downward from a central apex to prevent accumulation of precipitation thereon. In the stored position the support frame is shorter in height relative to the housing than in the working position and the sheet member is rolled onto the roller so as not to interfere with normal operation of the intake hopper.

Abstract: A convertible top comprising a plurality articulated rail links that move the convertible top in a fore-and-aft direction. A trim piece carries a window seal and is assembled to at least one of the rail links for movement in the fore-and-aft direction. The trim piece also moves in a lateral direction outwardly when the top is retracted and in the lateral direction inwardly when the top is extended. A stop member is secured to the trim piece and at least one rail link to limit the lateral movement of the trim piece relative to the at least one rail link. A cam block is secured to the trim piece and at least one of the rail links to guide the lateral movement of the trim piece relative to the at least one rail link.

Abstract: A check link assembly for a vehicle closure is configured to be operable in two phases: a detent check phase and an infinite check phase. The vehicle closure is pivotably connected to a vehicle body and has a closed position and an open position. The check link assembly includes a detent assembly having a detent configured to provide a detent check position between the closed position and the open position. The check link assembly also includes a hydraulic or pneumatic strut operatively connected to the detent assembly and configured to provide check positions at all positions between the detent check position and the open position. The detent assembly and the strut are configured to operate in series as the door is pivoted.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing member is mounted within a vehicle door outboard of an interior panel adjacent to a seating position. The member is rotatable between a first position wherein a maximum-stiffness axis of the member is relatively more aligned with an impact vector of an occupant of the seating position during a crash, and a second position wherein the maximum-stiffness axis is relatively less aligned with the impact vector. A controller receives signals from safety-related systems and operates an actuator to move the member between the first and second positions. Selection between the first and second position may be made at the start of a driving cycle based upon signals from an occupant sensor, stored biometric data, and/or a command from the occupant. The selection may be updated after the start of the driving cycle based upon signals from an impact sensor, a vehicle dynamics sensor, and/or a pre-crash sensor.

Abstract: A trim panel retention assembly for a vehicle includes a retention bracket mounted to an inner door panel and a trim panel bracket mounted to a door trim panel. The trim panel bracket is proximate and spaced from the retention bracket such that the retention bracket deters the trim panel bracket and door trim panel from detaching from the inner door panel during a side impact collision.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trim arrangement (10) for a pivot arm (12) of a motor vehicle door (14), in particular of a pivot and slide door (14), which can be moved out between a closed position covering a door opening and an open position releasing the door opening by means of the pivot arm (12) supported at the motor vehicle body (16), on the one hand, and at the motor vehicle door (14), on the other hand, wherein at least one trim element (18) is provided by means of which the pivot arm (12) can be covered at least partly on a side (20) facing the door opening, and wherein the trim element (18) can be moved relative to the pivot arm (12) between the closed position and the open position on the movement of the motor vehicle door (14).

Abstract: A vehicle front structure includes a dash panel that is located at a front portion of a vehicle and a floor panel that extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The dash panel includes a contact portion which extends in the vehicle width direction and with which a front end portion of the floor panel comes into contact, and concave portions that are located below the floor panel and opened upward in a side view of the vehicle body. The contact portion is formed integrally with the concave portions. Accordingly, the vehicle front structure may be easily worked and joining among a dash panel, a floor panel, and an inner panel in the related art may be changed to joining between two parts, that is, the dash panel and the floor panel, so that it may be possible to strengthen the joints between the dash panel and the floor panel.

Abstract: A bumper system for a motor vehicle includes a bumper cross member which is arranged transversely to a travel direction and has two attachment zones for connection to two side rails arranged in parallel relationship to the travel direction. The bumper cross member has a center portion extending between the attachment zones and two end zones to close off the bumper cross member to vehicle sides. A deformation element is arranged behind each of the end zones and constructed to support in the event of a head-on collision with slight overlap the end zone which undergoes a buckling as a result of the head-on collision. At least one belt element at least partly surrounds a circumference of the deformation element and is secured to at least one of the side rails.

Abstract: Provided is a construction machine which comprises an upper slewing body including: a frame bottom plate formed with an downward opening; an undercover detachably attached to the frame bottom plate to close up the opening; and a connection member for connecting the undercover to the frame bottom plate. The undercover includes a cover-forming member made of a single plate fabricated to have a base portion extending along a lower surface of the frame bottom plate and a bulging portion bulging upwardly from the base portion to be inserted into the opening. The base portion has a contact area in an outer edge region thereof to make contact with the lower surface of the frame bottom plate from the lower side thereof. The connection member connects the bulging portion to a region of the frame bottom plate, the region located above the lower surface of the frame bottom plate.

Abstract: Provided is a strength reinforcement device for a front shock absorber of a vehicle to provide a sufficient supporting force in spite of a load transferred to the front shock absorber. To this end, a cowl inner lower panel and a reinforce panel which form a box-shape cross-section structure are provided and their both side end portions are integrally connected to shock absorber supporting panels. A support panel is integrally formed in front end portions of both side ends of the cowl inner lower panel to cover and be integrally connected to the front portions of the shock absorber supporting panels, thereby easily distributing the loads transferred in various directions from the shock absorber supporting panels engaged with the front shock absorbers and providing a sufficient supporting force for the shock absorber supporting panels.

Abstract: A conversion system that converts a four-door style vehicle into a pick-up style vehicle. The conversion system converts the four-door style vehicle into a pick-up style vehicle when rear doors of the vehicle are removed and replaced by inner and outer side panels that form a side panel assembly for the bed of the vehicle. Additional features of the conversion system include a bed floor assembly, a bulkhead assembly, and a roof assembly that isolate the cabin of the vehicle from the newly formed bed.

Abstract: A moulded structural tub for a vehicle, the tub having: a main compartment bounded by a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall, and a floor extending between the lateral walls; a strengthening member integral with the first lateral wall and projecting in a longitudinal direction from the first lateral wall towards the second lateral wall; the profile of the surfaces of the main compartment being such that, in any cross-sectional plane parallel to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the plane generally defined by the floor, the length of a line drawn in that cross-sectional plane between a fixed point on that part of the strengthening member closest to the second lateral wall, and a movable point confined to the profile monotonically increases in length as the movable point on the profile is moved in a generally longitudinal direction so as to trace from the fixed point along the profile of the first lateral wall, the floor and the second lateral wall in an unbroken set of points representing th