Abstract: In a mechanism for detecting the size of media loaded in a media tray of an imaging device, the media tray includes at least one pair of media guiding members for alignment with the edges of the media. The media size sensing mechanism includes two racks operatively connected to the pair of media guiding members, a pinion positioned between the two racks, a cam structure attached to the pinion, and a sensor depicting the corresponding size of the loaded media. The cam structure defines an arcuate surface engaging a sliding pin of the sensor. The arcuate surface of the cam structure is configured to slide the pin linearly between a first extreme linear position and a second extreme linear position, as the cam rotates between a first extreme angular position and a second extreme angular position.

Abstract: A paper conveyance apparatus includes a roller pair including a drive roller and a driven roller configured to discharge a paper from a main body of an image forming apparatus. The paper conveyance apparatus further includes a corrugation component configured to abut against the paper discharged by the roller pair to corrugate the paper as the paper is discharged, and an elastic component configured to push the corrugation component against the discharged paper.

Abstract: A sheet conveyor device includes a conveyor that conveys a sheet along a conveyance path in a conveying direction, a sheet stack portion that receives the sheet conveyed by the conveyor, and a conducting member. The conveyor includes an ejection roller that ejects the sheet to the sheet stack portion. The conducting member includes a contact portion, disposed along the conveyance path downstream of the ejection roller, which comes into contact with the sheet conveyed by the conveyor, and a discharge portion that discharges static electricity transferred to the contact portion by contact between the sheet and the contact portion.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes a blocking member having a blocking surface with which a leading end of a sheet that is being conveyed comes into contact for obliquity correction. The blocking member is rotated by being pushed by the sheet against an urging force of a positioning unit that positions the blocking member to be in the standby position. The blocking member is rotatable to be in a sheet-passage-allowing orientation in which the sheet is allowed to pass. When a trailing end of the sheet that is being conveyed has passed the blocking member, the blocking member that is in the sheet-passage-allowing orientation rotates in a same direction as a sheet conveyance direction and is positioned to be in a standby position.

Abstract: There are provided a paper conveying apparatus, a jam detection method and a computer-readable, non-transitory medium that can suppress erroneous detection of a jam. The paper conveying apparatus includes a sound signal generator, provided with a sound detector near a conveyance path of a paper, for generating a sound signal, and a sound jam detector for determining whether a jam has occurred based on a variation of a component of the sound signal.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus, it is judged whether an original sheet is a first sheet type, whose sheet length is longer than or equal to a first conveyance distance and shorter than a second conveyance distance, and a second sheet type, whose sheet length is longer than or equal to the second conveyance path, the first conveyance distance being a distance between a first conveyance roller and a second conveyance roller, the second conveyance distance being a distance between a supply roller and the second conveyance roller. At least one of a leading-edge arriving timing; a trailing-edge arriving timing; and a sub-scanning magnification is set dependently on the judged result. An image is read from the original sheet by using an image reading unit and a conveyance unit based on the set at least one of the leading-edge arriving timing; trailing-edge arriving timing; and sub-scanning magnification.

Abstract: A conveyor device includes a conveyor including a conveyor roller to convey a sheet along a conveyance path, a cover movable between a closed position where the cover covers the conveyor roller and an open position where the cover is separated from the conveyor roller. The conveyor further includes a pinch roller urged toward the conveyor roller when the cover is in the closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, the conveyor roller and the pinch roller define a nip point along the conveyance path. The conveyor device includes a holder supported by the cover and to rotatably support the pinch roller and an urging member disposed between the cover and the holder to move the holder away from the cover to urge the pinch roller toward the conveyor roller when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a feed guide forming a feed path of a sheet and having an end portion movable between a closed position and an open position by rotating around a shaft, wherein the end portion is positioned above the shaft when the feed guide is in the open position, and the feed guide is configured to provide access for removal of a jammed sheet when in the open position. The image forming apparatus further comprises a holding unit configured to releasably hold the end portion of the feed guide in the open position.

Abstract: Provided is a sheet conveying apparatus which conveys a sheet, includes: a sheet conveying path which diverges into a first conveying path and a second conveying path at a diverging point; a guide member which is movable between a first position where the guide member guides the sheet to the first conveying path and a second position where the guide member guides the sheet to the second conveying path; a driving portion which is configured to move the guide member to the second position from the first position; and a holding portion which, in a case that the guide member is driven by the driving portion to move to the second position from the first position, provides a load to the driving by the driving portion and holds the guide member at a third position between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A ball ejection system for a roulette game is provided. The system includes a roulette wheel including a plurality of slots, at least one sensor, at least one ejector element, and a first driving mechanism. Each slot is defined by side walls and a bottom surface. Each bottom surface further includes an opening. The at least one sensor is position within each of the plurality of slots and are configured to emit a signal when detecting a ball within the slot. The ejector element is positioned below the roulette and includes at least one air blower. The air blower is configured to blow air circumferentially around the roulette wheel due to the detection of a ball on one of the sensors. Finally, the first driving mechanism is in communication with the at least one ejector element and configured to cause the initiation of the at least one air blower.

Abstract: A board game incorporating binary conversions to entertain and educate players, comprising a multi-tiered playing field, a plurality of counters, of control pads, and playing cards. The playing field comprises a plurality of rooms, doors, roof hatches, and lights. Players enter the values from the playing cards into the control pads. The control pads electronically communicate with the counters to display the binary conversions. Based on the binary conversions, the lights on the playing field indicate which doors and roof hatches are opened or closed allowing players to navigate through the playing field. The winning player wins by being the first player to exit the playing field. It is contemplated that the board game can extend to computer games, video games, smart phone and tablet applications, theme parks or other similar gaming opportunities wherein players can compete to navigate through and be the first to exit the playing field.

Abstract: In a draw style wagering game, a player may be allocated a player card displaying a plurality of symbols from a symbol set. When a draw is conducted, a determination is made as to whether the drawn symbols on the player card form a winning pattern. If no winning pattern can be made, a winning pattern can be created by supplementing the drawn symbols with one or more wild symbols up to a maximum number. A payout may be awarding for the winning pattern. The payout may be dependent on the number of wild symbols used to create the winning pattern.

Abstract: A dartboard includes a board frame and a plurality of target blocks coupled at the board frame. Each target block includes a block body, a predetermined amount of target materials, and a block panel. The block body has a material compartment and two openings aligning with the material compartment. The target materials are made of sisals and filled within the material compartment. The block panel is affixed to one of the openings of the block body to form a bottom panel of the respective block body so as to retain bottom of the target material within the material compartment of the block body.

Abstract: A non-contact labyrinth seal assembly, bearing assembly therewith, and method of construction thereof, has an outer rigid carrier and an inner sleeve. The carrier has an outer cylindrical flange and a radially inwardly extending leg and the sleeve has a cylindrical wall and a radially outwardly extending flange. A body is attached to at least one of the leg and the flange, wherein the body provides, at least in part, a purely non-contact labyrinth passage extending between the carrier and the sleeve.

Abstract: A heat-fusible gasket for affecting a flexible seal between two adjoining components of a coupling, such as the spigot end of a section of plastic pipe and a bell coupler to be fitted thereover. The gasket has an inner core which is constructed of an elastomeric material, and outer opposing sealing surfaces that are formed at least in part of a heat-fusible material that is compatible with the heat-fusible components with which the gasket is intended to engage. The gasket is co-extruded in continuous lengths with electrically conductive heat resistance wires embedded in the outer compatibly heat-fusible layers. For annular gaskets, the co-extruded lengths of gasket material may be cut and spliced into any desired diameter gasket. Upon connection to a power source, the gasket seal is perfected through electrofusion along the opposing sealing surfaces of the gasket, thereby providing enhanced sealing capability.

Abstract: A spherical annular seal member 39 includes a spherical annular base member 37 defined by annular end faces 35 and 36, and an outer layer 38 formed integrally on the spherical annular base member 37. The spherical annular base member 37 includes a reinforcing member 5 made from a metal wire net and a heat-resistant material 6 containing compressed expanded graphite. The outer layer 38 is comprised of a base layer 46 which includes a reinforcing member 15 made from a metal wire net and compressed and a heat-resistant material 14 containing expanded graphite, compressed in such a manner as to fill meshes of the metal wire net of the reinforcing member 15, and having a surface 52 which forms an outer-layer intermediate layer surface 42 together with the surface 41 of the reinforcing member 15, and of a heated sliding layer 40 of a molten fluororesin composition formed on the base layer 46 at the outer-layer intermediate layer surface 42.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to double acting suspension axle assemblies that can be used to facilitate mobility of a heavy load transporter and/or to adjust a deck height of the heavy load transporter. Each axle assembly includes a wheel assembly and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The double acting suspension axle provides the ability to force the hydraulic cylinder of each axle assembly to fully retract without relying solely on gravity. The double acting suspension axle assembly may be incorporated directly into or permanently affixed to other large structures, such as mobile robots, large tooling structures, gantry cranes, or other large machinery to provide the precise control of mobility and forced lowering capabilities.

Abstract: A torsion key saddle enables a user to readily change the suspension performance characteristic and the suspension lift in a vehicle with independent torsion suspension without the need to replace the torsion keys. Use of torsion key saddles enables each wheel to be adjusted fully between the extremes available using the six possible positions for a torsion key with a hex torsion bar socket.

Abstract: A gas spring for a vehicle suspension system includes a cylinder, a rod disposed within the cylinder, a relative movement between the rod and the cylinder changing the volume of a chamber formed between the rod and the cylinder, and an accumulator in communication with the chamber. Compression of gas in the chamber at least partially provides a first spring rate for deflections of the gas spring below a threshold, compression of gas in the chamber at least partially provides a second spring rate for deflections of the gas spring above the threshold, and the first spring rate is greater than the second spring rate.

Abstract: Lightweight inexpensive sleds, made of tough plastic or similar material, are disclosed for transporting injured people or inert loads. Tensile towing forces applied to a strap are distributed to avoid tearing the sled body.

Abstract: A child seat for a shopping cart comprises a gate, a back rest, two arms and a seat. The arms connect to the gate at one end and the back rest at the other. The arms connect to the gate at an angle, which provides resistance so that the back rest does not fall while buckling the child into the seat. The arms terminate in a chamber, which encompasses the back rest and allows the back rest to fold. One end of the seat terminates in a channel, which encompasses the base wire of the back rest, allowing the back rest to rotate. The second end of the seat terminates in a second channel, which encompasses attachment members on the gate, thereby allowing the seat to rotate. The attachment members include wires, which interact with a step in the second channel to lock the seat to the gate.

Abstract: A stroller frame with an automatic brake mechanism actuatable by hand detecting includes at least a first rear wheel, a first locking mechanism, a second rear wheel, a second locking mechanism, a battery and a hand-detecting handle. The hand-detecting handle is capable of detecting the caregiver's hand by a change of capacitance on its surface, generating a first control signal to a power supply circuit when the caregiver's hand is near, and generating a second control signal to the power supply circuit when the caregiver's hand is absent. The power supply circuit may provide currents in different direction to the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism according to the first control signal and the second control signal, so as to lock the rear wheels once the caregiver's hand has left the hand-detecting handle, and unlock the rear wheels when the caregiver's hand near the hand-detecting handle automatically.

Abstract: An axle suspension system for a vehicle. The axle suspension system may include a trailing arm assembly that may have a shock absorber passage. A shock absorber may extend through the shock absorber passage.

Abstract: A damper assembly for a vehicle suspension system includes a damper and a valve block coupled to the damper. The damper includes a tubular sidewall having an inner surface that defines an inner damper volume and a plunger separating the inner damper volume into a compression chamber and an extension chamber. The valve block includes a housing having a spring pilot and defining a flow path between an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port is in fluid communication with at least one of the compression chamber and the extension chamber. The damper assembly further includes a flow controller coupled to the housing and positioned along the flow path and a piston having a pilot end coupled to the spring pilot and an interface end that engages the flow controller with a pilot force that varies based on a pressure at the spring pilot.

Abstract: An air spring that can be used in an air suspension system includes a hollow piston, a hollow shaft and a body. The hollow piston has a hole through it. The hollow shaft has a shaft interior volume in communication with the hole in the piston. The body has a body interior volume in communication with the hole in the hollow piston. The hole in the hollow piston in communication with the shaft interior volume and the body interior volume provides a total interior volume. Wherein, the total interior volume is greater than the body interior volume thereby providing a linearized spring rate.

Abstract: An ambulatory frame assembly for exiting a vehicle in an emergency includes a frame that is operationally coupled to the vehicle. The frame is selectably extended outwardly from the vehicle so the frame may selectively support a user. A step is coupled to the frame so the user walks on the step. A support is operationally coupled to the frame. The support is movable after the frame is extended outwardly from the vehicle. A rail is operationally coupled to the arm. The rail is selectively positionable to be gripped by the user after the frame is extended outwardly from the vehicle.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame including an operator compartment having at least one entrance and a floorboard. The vehicle further comprises at least one step capable of being positioned across the entrance a spaced distance from the floorboard such that an operator may stand on the step when the step is positioned across the entrance to gain access to an elevated storage location.

Abstract: A wheel and hub assembly for a vehicle includes a clutch dog pivotally attached to a wheel. A toothed ratchet wheel is attached to a pedal crank and positioned adjacent to the clutch dog. A hub cover includes a protrusion. The hub cover is attached to the wheel in a sliding fashion so as to slide between an unlocked position, where the protrusion engages the clutch dog so as to prevent the clutch dog from engaging the toothed ratchet wheel when the pedals are turned in a forward direction; and a locked position, where the protrusion does not engage the clutch dog so that the clutch dog engages the toothed ratchet wheel when the pedals are turned in a forward direction.

Abstract: Vehicular system, including front wheel having user-interface assembly configured to selectively permit user to operate between limb-operating mode and side-by-side limb cruising mode. In side-by-side limb cruising mode, first and second crank arms are free to float and position by themselves while front wheel is steered to cause vehicular system to turn in such a way that first pedal and second pedal are positioned slightly offset from each other. In side-by-side limb cruising mode, control of vehicular system is improved because rider position is more balanced and an unnatural sensation of steering involving hands and feet becomes neutralized while: user maintains hands coupled to steering assembly and also maintains feet coupled to first pedal and second pedal; steering assembly turns front wheel toward one side; first crank arm and second crank arm freely float and position themselves; and first pedal and second pedal are positioned slightly offset from each other.

Abstract: The present invention reduces or eliminates suspension induced lower portion chain grow for rear derailer equipped bicycle drive trains using a pivoting mount for the common chain guide pulley. Attached about or near concentric with the chain ring and bottom bracket this mounting plate has a pivotally connected link to the suspension. The chain guide pulley is positioned to “take-up” or store some lower portion of chain length around the chain ring. Suspension activation creates pivotal movement of the guide mounting plate to relieve suspension induced chain grow by releasing some or the entire taken-up length of the lower portion of the drive chain.

Abstract: A quick release structure for a bicycle includes a locking rod fixed securely, wherein the locking rod has a polygonal groove formed therein. The driving post of the locking rod includes a polygonal head. As desiring to lock the locking rod on the bicycle frame or to unlock the locking rod from the bicycle frame, the polygonal head of the driving post retains with the polygonal groove of the locking rod so as to rotate the locking rod. When the locking rod is rotated tightly, the polygonal head of the driving post removes from the polygonal groove so that the locking rod cannot be rotated, and the driving post of the locking rod does not drive the locking rod to rotate loosely after vibration, thereby obtaining positioning safety.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved bicycle frame according to one embodiment of this invention has a top tube that allows the wheel base to lengthen by resiliently flexing or pivotally deflecting vertically while resisting torsional flex This feature is combined with a resilient, flexible, arcuate down tube extending between the bottom bracket of the bicycle and the bicycle head tube or the intermediate connection points The down tube has at least one arc and springs back to its original position from forces of tension as well as compression The combination of the two flexing members gives the bicycle a smoother ride and may also enhance the delivery of pedal” power to the rear wheel The down tube is replaceable in order to modify the flex characteristics of the frame and physical characteristics, such as head tube and seat tube angle, wheel base, and bottom bracket height.

Abstract: A sliding arm mechanism for attaching to an arm of a wheelchair is provided herein. One concept is directed to a sliding arm mechanism that includes a main portion and an inner cavity. The sliding arm mechanism also includes a slide rail, which is adapted to be housed within the inner cavity of the main portion. The slide rail and the main portion are slidably coupled to allow the main portion to move laterally over the slide rail in a direction parallel to the top part of the arm of the wheelchair, thus allowing the main portion to move between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the first position corresponds to a full-length position and the second position corresponds to a desk-length position, such that a user can adjust the sliding arm mechanism to access a desk or table.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling with a pull handle, having a pull lever and a safety lever. The pull handle can move in a travel space of a guide mechanism of the fifth wheel coupling plate into a closed position and a release position. Elements are provided for blocking the pull handle, consisting of a safety mechanism with a movably disposed blocking element. The safety mechanism is arranged on the fifth wheel coupling plate. The pull handle has a device for manipulation of the safety mechanism.

Abstract: A towing system for efficiently and safely pulling heavy vehicles. The towing system generally includes a first member adapted to be attached to a drawbar of a towing vehicle, a second member pivotally attached to the first member, a cam unit mechanically connected to the first member and second member providing a centering force to the second member, and a third member pivotally attached to the second member wherein the third member is adapted to removably attach to a vehicle to be towed. The third member is adapted to be pivoted upwardly into a raised storage position or downwardly to a lowered position by a pivot actuator connected between the third member and the second member.

Abstract: A collapsible pushchair is disclosed. It comprises a chassis (2) to which wheels (8, 9, 25, 26) are attached, a seat hanger (33) and a pair of spaced parallel tubular body portions (6,7) fixed relative to and extending upwardly at an angle from the chassis away from the wheels on opposite sides of said seat hanger. A first handle part (15) is received in each tubular body portion and is slideable between an extended position in which the first handle part (15) primarily extends from an upper end of the tubular body portion (6,7) towards a person pushing the pushchair and, a second stowed position in which the first handle part (15) has been slid through each tubular body portion (6,7) so that the first handle part extends from the upper end and a lower end of each of the tubular body portions. The seat hanger is pivotally attached to said first handle parts such that the seat hanger (33) folds as the first handle parts (15) are slid into their stowed position from their extended positions.

Abstract: A retractable stroller comprises a pair of push arms, a pair of second sliding mounts and a pair of foot rest mount. The pair of push arms are slidably and retractably coupling with a pair of front struts. The pair of second sliding mounts are fixedly mounted on the lower ends of the push arms in a way of slidable along the front struts; each sliding mount formed with an opening in a radial direction, and the pair of foot rest mounts are usable for connecting a foot support element therebetween for support an occupant's feet at an appropriate height. The pair of foot rest mounts are fixedly attached to the front struts in a position aligned with the opening so as to permit the second sliding mounts capable of sliding along the front struts and passing over the foot rest mount without obstacle of the foot rest mount.

Abstract: A foldable frame for a stroller having front and rear legs with wheels disposed at the ends thereof and a handle support joined at a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism synchronizes motion of the front leg and handle to collapse them adjacent to the rear leg. The mechanism also actuates a swivel mechanism on a front wheel that swivels the front wheel to a predetermined position optimized to allow the stroller to be supported by the wheels when folded.

Abstract: A fabric for use in the manufacture of an inflatable air-bag, the fabric having interwoven warp fibers and weft fibers which are arranged substantially perpendicular to one another, one or more of the warp and weft fibers being at least partially coated with an adhesive substance to increase the friction between the warp and weft fibers at their intersections. In another embodiment, the fabric is formed from fibers having a central core and another sheath.

Abstract: A pre-weakened cover of an airbag module is provided including a layer having an outer show surface and an opposing inner surface. A plurality of first cuts is arranged at a first angle on the inner surface. A plurality of second cuts is arranged at a second angle on the inner surface. Each of the second cuts intersects two adjacent first cuts to form a generally V-shaped pattern.

Abstract: An airbag system (3) having a two-chamber airbag (4), wherein the main chamber has an impact surface (7) which the vehicle occupant can contact and a support surface (8) with the main chamber (5) supported on an interior fitting (2) of the vehicle. A secondary chamber (11) forms a support cushion for the main chamber (5), the main chamber (5) having a greater volume than the secondary chamber (11). The secondary chamber (11) is located between the support surface (8) and the interior fitting (2). The airbag (4) has an overflow protective element (24) between the main and secondary chambers (11). A first gas generator (16) inflates the main chamber (5) and a second gas generator (17) inflates the secondary chamber (11), wherein both generators (16, 17) or only the first generator (16) can be controlled for inflating the main chamber (5) as desired.

Abstract: A side airbag gas bag is provided for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car. The gas bag includes, but is not limited to an occupant region and a child seat region adjoining thereon, which with inflated gas bag optionally forms a recess for receiving a contour of a child seat or a volume for the lateral protection of an occupant.

Abstract: A side airbag device has: a side airbag that inflates and expands at a time of a side collision, and that has a lower chamber (high pressure chamber), and an upper chamber (low pressure chamber), the high pressure chamber and the low pressure chamber being formed by base cloths (a lower base cloth, an upper base cloth) that are respectively separate bodies; an inflator; a partitioning wall that is formed by a portion of the lower base cloth, and that divides the lower chamber and the upper chamber; and a check valve that is provided at a partial region of the partitioning wall, and that is provided convexly toward the lower chamber side when the side airbag is not inflated, and that permits flowing of the gas for inflation from the upper chamber side to the lower chamber side, and restricts flowing of gas in a direction opposite thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is an external airbag apparatus. The apparatus includes, a back beam disposed on one surface directed toward a bumper on which an airbag module is disposed. The apparatus additionally includes a deployment guide disposed between the bumper and the back beam, both ends of which are coupled to the back beam, and a middle end of which is supported on the bumper. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a sensor disposed between the deployment guide and the back beam to sense impact when pressed by the deployment guide during impact to the bumper.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to stably and smoothly perform the operation of position adjustment of a steering wheel 1, the electric position adjustment apparatus for a steering wheel of the present invention is such that: a concave engaging section 19a of a moving piece 16a that moves in the forward/backward direction with an electric motor 56 as a driving source has a cylindrical concave-shaped inner-circumferential surface; a cylindrical column section 65 of a transmission member 17a that transmits the movement of the moving piece 16a to a steering column 5b is inserted into the concave engaging section 19a by way of cylindrical spacer 72 and has a cylindrical convex-shaped outer-circumferential surface; and a cylindrical spacer 72 has a cylindrical convex-shaped outer-circumferential surface and a cylindrical concave-shaped inner-circumferential surface.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a console part for securing the steering column to a body of the motor vehicle, and a steering shaft bearing unit for rotatably mounting a steering shaft of the steering column. The steering shaft bearing unit is mounted between at least two lateral cheeks of the console part. A bearing part is arranged between the lateral cheeks of the console part and the steering shaft bearing unit. A clamping bolt of the steering column penetrates the lateral cheeks of the console part, the bearing part, and the steering shaft bearing unit. The bearing part has at least one bearing part bead, while the steering shaft bearing unit has at least one steering shaft bearing unit bead, at least some areas of the bearing part bead lying flat against the steering shaft bearing unit bead. The clamping bolt penetrates the bearing part in the bearing part bead and penetrates the steering shaft bearing unit in the steering shaft bearing unit bead.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device for an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle, wherein the locking device has a cam bracket having at least one cam arranged in a fixed manner thereon and at least one mating cam bracket having at least one mating cam arranged in a fixed manner thereon and at least one stop. The cam bracket and the mating cam bracket are arranged so as to be rotatable relative to each other around an axis of rotation, and the cam of the first cam bracket interacts with the mating cam of the mating cam bracket upon rotation of the cam bracket and mating cam bracket relative to each other around the axis of rotation in order to generate a stroke in the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A steering device easily sets an absorption amount of impact energy to a predetermined magnitude at a time when a female male shaft and a male shaft undergo relative contraction upon occurrence of a vehicle collision. If the male shaft undergoes contraction by a length against the female shaft, a serrated edge on a right-end surface of the female shaft is butted against a left-end surface of an impact-energy absorption part. Then, the serrated edge of a female serration is firmly butted against a left-end surface of the impact-energy absorption part to undergo plastic deformation, whereupon resistance to collapsing increases, thereby absorbing impact energy.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly comprising a mounting structure, the mounting structure comprising a first part for connecting to the body of a vehicle and a second part for connecting to part of a steering mechanism, the first and second parts being interconnected to permit relative movement therebetween as the assembly collapses, wherein: one of the first or second parts comprises a slot, the slot comprising a pocket and a channel defined by two opposing sidewalls, each sidewall being the outer edge of a deformable structure; the other of the first or second parts comprises a lug, the lug extending into the pocket when the assembly is in a non-collapsed state and being configured to be driven through the channel to cause plastic deformation of the deformable structure as the assembly collapses; and the assembly comprises a re-enforcement that limits the plastic deformation of the deformable structure during the collapsing stroke to regions of the deformable structure adjacent to regions of the channe

Abstract: A vehicle pillar trim assembly includes a trim panel, a first cover plate and a second cover plate. The trim panel has a first side surface, a second side surface and an aperture extending from the first side surface to the second side surface. The first cover plate is slidably arranged in an adjustment direction with respect to the trim panel in an overlapping manner with the first side surface and at least partially covering the aperture. The first cover plate has a first opening that is smaller than the aperture and at least partially aligned with the aperture. The second cover plate is slidably with respect to the trim panel in an overlapping manner with the first cover plate and at least partially covering the first opening. The second cover plate has a second opening smaller than the first opening and aligned with the first opening.