Abstract: A steering system and method are described for a vehicle having steerable wheels. A steering device may be coupled to one or more of the wheels. A parked state of the vehicle and a present orientation of the hydraulic steering device may be determined. The present orientation of the steering device may be compared with a neutral orientation of the steering device. Based upon a determined parked state of the vehicle and the comparing of the present and neutral orientations of the steering device, the steering device may be moved from the present orientation toward the neutral orientation.

Abstract: A steering controller can control steering of a vehicle and is suitable for precision farm controlling. The steering controller can rotate the steering shaft of the vehicle direct the vehicle on a desired path, for example, using a satellite positioning system. Components of the steering controller are environmental protected by a housing that has an opening extending between its front and rear surfaces. The opening is lined by a shaft. A hub located near the front of the opening can be coupled to the steering shaft of the vehicle. A motor has a stator fixed to the housing and a rotor fixed to the hub. When the housing is attached to a fixed location on the vehicle, the motor can rotate the steering shaft by rotating the hub with respect to the housing. A control module drives the motor based on commands from a guidance module.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering system in a vehicle. The system includes a rear wheel steering actuator, a vehicle speed sensor, and an electronic control unit. The rear wheel steering actuator is coupled to a rear wheel of the vehicle and controls a steering angle of the rear wheel. The electronic control unit is coupled to the rear wheel steering actuator and the vehicle speed sensor and is configured to determine a speed of the vehicle and to limit the steering angle of the rear wheel based on the speed of the vehicle and a fault tolerant time of the rear wheel steering system.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a backup assist system for a trailer attached to a vehicle is provided which includes a hitch sensor continuously measuring a hitch angle for determining an angle rate, a yaw sensor continuously sensing a yaw rate of the vehicle, and a controller configured to determine an offset of the measured hitch angle when vehicle is driving forward and/or rearward.

Abstract: A display device (120) for the display of data. The display device (120) includes a data display device (124) for displaying data. The display device (120) is, or can be, fitted separately onto a steering wheel (102) of a vehicle (100). The display device (120) further includes an acceleration detection device (122) for detecting acceleration relative to at least two axes. The display device (120) is designed to determine, using the detected acceleration, a steering wheel rotational angle of the steering wheel (102) and, using the steering wheel rotational angle, to modify the data display.

Abstract: An autonomous control system for a vehicle that controls the speed and steering system of the vehicle to operate in a lane-keeping mode or a lane-changing mode. Position sensors sense the location of surrounding vehicles. A lane determining system identifies a current lane where the vehicle is located. A source of oncoming lane course data provides information as to the course of the current lane. A controller provides instructions to the steering system and speed control system to maneuver the vehicle in either the lane-keeping mode or the lane-changing mode. The driver may override the control system by providing a manual input to the steering system or the speed control system.

Abstract: An autonomous control system for a vehicle that controls the speed and steering system of the vehicle to operate in a lane-keeping mode or a lane-changing mode. Position sensors sense the location of surrounding vehicles. A lane determining system identifies a current lane where the vehicle is located. A source of oncoming lane course data provides information as to the course of the current lane. A controller provides instructions to the steering system and speed control system to maneuver the vehicle in either the lane-keeping mode or the lane-changing mode. The driver may override the control system by providing a manual input to the steering system or the speed control system.

Abstract: A vehicle pedal arm has a first rib connecting a first hole, into which a first shaft is inserted, and a peripheral edge on a side of a rear wall continuous of at least one of a left side wall and a right side wall in an arm body continuous upward from a first bent portion that bends in a rear direction side of a vehicle as being a lower side of the vehicle, to extend on a first straight line connecting a depressing portion and the first hole in a side view, and a second rib connecting a second hole, into which a second shaft is inserted, and the peripheral edge on a side of the rear wall continuous of the at least one of the both side walls to extend on a second straight line connecting the depressing portion and the second hole in a side view.

Abstract: A vehicle frame structure includes: a pair of left and right upper members that have a vehicle front-rear direction inside end portion joined to an upper section of a panel configuring a vehicle cabin, and that extend toward the vehicle front-rear direction outer side; a pair of left and right lower members that have a vehicle front-rear direction inside end portion joined to a lower section of the panel, and that extend upward toward the vehicle front-rear direction outer side; and a pair of left and right joining members that join vehicle front-rear direction outside end portions of the upper members to respective vehicle front-rear direction outside end portions of the lower members.

Abstract: A crossmember for the base region of a motor vehicle shell structure is disclosed. The crossmember is a light metal or a light metal alloy, preferably aluminum or an aluminum alloy, preferably magnesium or a magnesium alloy, at least in regions and is produced at least in regions by forging.

Abstract: A space frame for a machine is disclosed. The space frame may have a first end configured to be connected to front wheels of the machine. The space frame may also have a second end configured to be connected to rear wheels of the machine. Further, the space frame may have primary structural members arranged substantially lengthwise between the first end and the second end. In addition, the space frame may have secondary structural members connected between the primary structural members to form substantially triangulated structures allowing the space frame to support a payload to empty vehicle weight ratio ranging from about 1.2:1 to 2:1.

Abstract: A subframe structure being supported by a vehicle-body frame and supporting a vehicular power plant through a damping device. The subframe structure includes: a longitudinal member which extends in a front-rear direction of a vehicle and is rigidly fixed to the vehicle-body frame; a lateral member which extends in a vehicle width direction and on which at least one of the damping devices is mounted; a floating mechanism which floatingly supports the lateral member on the longitudinal member through an elastic mechanism; and a suspension arm connected to the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a motor vehicle, and to a correspondingly manufactured motor vehicle having a modular construction in which a substructure and further body modules of the motor vehicle are manufactured independently of one another and are subsequently permanently connected to one another.

Abstract: Deformation of a vehicle compartment is suppressed at the time of a small overlap collision. A front pillar lower structure (10) includes a gusset (50) joined to a lower end portion of a pillar reinforcement (41). In the gusset (50), a front wall (50B) and a lower wall (50C) extend from a side wall (50A) located on the outer side in a vehicle width direction of a rocker reinforcement. The front wall (50B) covers the rocker reinforcement (29) from the vehicle front side, while the lower wall (50C) extends toward the vehicle rear side from a lower end of the front wall (50B) and is joined to a lower surface of the rocker reinforcement (29). Since the strength of a joint portion (51) between the pillar reinforcement (41) and the rocker reinforcement (29) can be improved by the gusset (50), it is possible to prevent or suppress breakage of the joint portion (51) at the time of a small overlap collision so that deformation of a vehicle compartment (21) due to such breakage can be suppressed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle lower section structure that may obtain efficient load transmission obliquely toward the rear side, even in the event of an oblique collision. A reinforcement member is coupled to one lower tunnel reinforcement, and is coupled to another a lower tunnel reinforcement on progression toward the rear side. Collision load transmitted to the reinforcement member is accordingly transmitted obliquely toward the rear from the one lower tunnel reinforcement to the other lower tunnel reinforcement. Namely, the vehicle lower section structure of the present disclosure is capable of obtaining effective load transmission obliquely toward the rear side even in the event of an oblique collision.

Abstract: A vehicle having a roof panel connectedly extending inwardly from a body structure and a tether connectedly extending between the roof panel and body structure. The vehicle may be a pickup truck having a side body structure with an aluminium alloy internal panel and roof panel connected together to make up a portion of a passenger compartment of a cab. The tether assembly may have a mounting component adhesively connected to the roof panel and a tether rope connected to the mounting component and to the internal panel. The mounting component of the tether assembly may be taped to the roof panel. The mounting component may have a heat curing adhesive. The connector of the tether assembly may be fastened to the side body structure using a threaded fastener. The heat curing adhesive may be activated with an oven to secure the mounting component to the roof panel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle (1) has a body (4) and a sill (3) arranged between the wheel houses (5) on a longitudinal side of the vehicle. The sill (3) has a sill element (6) that is adjustable in the lateral direction between a first end position and a second end position. At least one protruding air guiding element (7,8) is arranged on the sill element (6).

Abstract: A center pillar structure for a vehicle comprises a center pillar including an outer panel and an inner panel that are joined together and form a closed cross section. The inner panel includes a front flange and a rear flange that are elongate in the vertical direction, a front surface and a rear surface that extend toward the vehicle interior side respectively from a rear end of the front flange and a front end of the rear flange, and a base surface that connects the front surface and the rear surface. Dimensions of the front surface and the rear surface in the vehicle width direction increase as the center pillar extends upward from a lower end of the center pillar to a height of the belt line, and decrease as the center pillar further extends upward from the belt line to the upper end.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly includes a front pillar including a unitary, one-piece tubular structural member having a first end portion and an opposite second end portion. The structural member defines a vehicle exterior-side wall section and a passenger compartment-side wall section. A first structural node is fastened to the passenger compartment-side wall section at the first end portion of the structural member. A second structural node is fastened to the passenger compartment-side wall section at the second end portion of the structural member. The structural member is formed of a first metal and each of the first and second structural nodes are formed of a second metal different than the first metal. An electrically nonconductive adhesive is interposed between the structural member first end portion and the first structural node and is interposed between the structural member second end portion and the second structural node.

Abstract: A header beam couples between A-pillars of a vehicle frame. The header beam is formed from a generally straight beam segment that is extruded to have a hollow body portion with supportive legs extending within the hollow interior along the length of the beam segment, defining uninterrupted forward and rearward box sections for supporting continuous load paths on the header beam. The end portions of the beam segment are clamped and the beam segment is stretch bent to form a curvature between the end portions that remain generally straight. A front flange extends forward along the body portion and is struck proximate the end portions to form an edge that is parallel to the curvature formed between the end portions. The end portions are attached to the A-pillars and the edge of the front flange is attached to a windshield.

Abstract: A supplemental energy absorber is provided for a vehicle having a hood subjectable to an external force event and a body structure including a primary hood stop. The supplemental energy absorber includes a spring portion and a resilient portion. The spring portion is attachable to the body structure. The resilient portion is attached to the spring portion. The supplemental energy absorber is configured to cooperate with the hood and the primary hood stop to supplement energy absorption during the external force event.

Abstract: A height adjustable floor system for a motor vehicle includes a load compartment floor having front and rear floor members that are pivotally connected together to permit relative rotation about a transverse axis. The load compartment cover can be positioned in upper and lower load carrying positions and be moved between these positions with the aid of a pair of first side supports each having a continuous groove defining a path to be followed by a pair of spaced apart guide members located on left and right sides of the front floor member near to a front end thereof. The rear floor member is used to facilitate the transitioning of the load compartment floor between the two load carrying positions and the first side supports are so configured that in the load carrying positions load is not transferred from the load compartment floor to the guide members.

Abstract: A method for producing a motor vehicle and a correspondingly produced motor vehicle having a modular construction, in which a substructure and at least one superstructure module are produced independently of one another and are subsequently permanently connected together.

Abstract: A logistics post for use in a vehicle includes an inner wall and an outer wall. The logistics post is arranged to couple with panels to form a sidewall of a vehicle. At least a portion of the inner wall is spaced apart from the outer wall to form a mount passage therebetween. The inner wall includes a plurality of logistics slots that extend through the inner wall and open into the mount passage.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting people as well as goods that moves with minimal aerodynamic drag loss because the energy in the aerodynamic drag is transferred to the propulsive thermal engine. The high dynamic air pressure in front of the vehicle (1) as a result of the vehicle (1) moving faster than the surrounding air is sucked by the air compressor (10) through the air intake (5) and variable sized air intake nozzles (2)(3). The low dynamic air pressure at the back of the vehicle (1) as a result of the vehicle (1) leaving behind the surrounding air, is filled back by the exhaust gas coming out through the exhaust nozzles (6). All the nozzles (2)(3)(6) are optionally adjustable in order to optimise the sucking and filling capacities of the thermal engine. The present invention also applies to flying vehicles, road vehicles as well as but not limited to underwater vehicles.

Abstract: A spoiler unit includes a movable spoiler for a vehicle, a frame fixing the movable spoiler to the vehicle, and a cover being mounted on the frame.

Abstract: In a vehicle to which a wheel well rear portion structure has been applied, a curved portion of an upper wall of a guide portion bulges obliquely toward the vehicle lower side as seen in a side view and is connected to a discharge portion. An air flow flowing in a flow channel flows along the upper wall due to the Coanda effect, so in the air flow along the curved portion the flow component heading toward the vehicle rear side becomes larger. The flow direction of the air flow discharged from the discharge portion substantially coincides with the flow direction of an air flow flowing in the space under the body of the vehicle. In a state in which a drop in the flow speed of the air flow discharged from the discharge portion is controlled, the air flow can be caused to smoothly merge with the air flow.

Abstract: A control system for a tractor fitted with two or more axles which carry wheels having pneumatic tires and which is set up to pull an implement or trailer. The system having a display means for displaying to a tractor operator tractor performance parameters and has sensors to determine the current pull force applied to the implement or trailer, the current wheel load and the current tractor ground speed. The system also has a control unit which determines and advises the tractor operator via the display means as to the optimum weight of the tractor using a predetermined relationship between pull force and tractor weight and also the required load on each axle to achieve a predetermined optimum axle load ratio. The system also advises via the display means the appropriate tire pressure for the current wheel load and tractor ground speed using a look-up table.

Abstract: Left and right front flanges are provided respectively in left and right front legs in a center frame. Left and right rear flanges are provided respectively in left and right rear legs in the center frame. Left and right front leg mounting members, and left and right rear leg mounting members, which protrude toward the center frame are provided respectively in left and right side frames. The respective front flanges are placed on the respective front leg mounting members, which are respectively fastened by bolts inserted therebetween in the upper-lower direction. The respective rear flanges are placed on the respective rear leg mounting members, which are respectively fastened by bolts inserted therebetween in the upper-lower direction.

Abstract: An endless track for traction of an off-road vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle) or a military vehicle, is provided. The endless track a plurality of elastomeric lugs, such as drive/guide lugs projecting from the inner surface and/or traction lugs projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface. An elastomeric lug may have a material composition defining an arrangement of zones of different materials which comprises a plurality of zones of different elastomeric materials, may exhibit a desired variation of a material property (e.g., across the arrangement of zones of different materials. A zone of the elastomeric lug may have a dedicated function, such as a sacrificial zone or a wear indicator zone. An elastomeric drive lug may comprise an uneven drive surface, such as an angled or curved surface, for engaging a drive member of a drive wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum wall crawler having at least one vacuum track unit comprising a track frame, two pulleys provided in opposite ends of the track frame, and defining a wheelbase, an endless track arranged to circulate on the two pulleys, and comprising a flexible band, said flexible band comprising a plurality of apertures, and having a thickness, a vacuum distribution box provided in said track frame wherein the vacuum distribution box is in communication with a portion of the apertures to distribute a vacuum to the portion of apertures as the endless track circulates, where the thickness of the flexible band is 5-20% of the wheel base.

Abstract: A method of utilizing an extension panel to minimize a radial safety clearance between a tire and a rim of a wheel well. The extension panel includes a convex edge and a concave edge. The extension panel is oriented parallel to a sidewall of a tire such that the convex edge is positioned flush against the rim. In the resulting position, the concave edge is positioned offset from a tread of the tire. A plurality of L-shaped brackets is utilized to attach the extension panel to the wheel well. Since the extension panel is attached to the wheel well, opening or closing a vehicle door is not disrupted. Moreover, since the concave edge is offset from the tread, the turning radius of the automobile is not interrupted.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting accessories on a handlebar of a bicycle includes a mounting frame and a plurality of sliding members. The mounting frame has a central hole and a plurality of coupling slots. The handlebar is inserted into the central hole of the frame member, and the coupling slots are provided on a surface of the mounting frame. The coupling slots each have an elongated direction, which is substantially parallel to an axial direction of the frame member, and the coupling slots are substantially parallel to each other. Accessories are connected to the sliding members respectively, and the sliding members each have a coupling portion to be detachably engaged in one of the coupling slots of the mounting frame.

Abstract: Richard O'Neal Sallis (First Named Inventor), am a resident of the United States of America. I reside at 138 N. Barclay St., in Waterloo, Iowa. The title of my invention is called ‘Frame Covering Device system for a three wheel motorcycle, that provides (1) a covering for protection of the double A-arm and shock assembly, (2) air flow and (3) improved overall appearance for the three wheel motorcycle.

Abstract: Bicycle operated by transmission device including transmission element rotatably integral with drive wheel and coaxial thereto, and a frame with a front and rear fork; rotatable removable support at the two ends of the arms of each fork, for the hub of a front free wheel and a rear drive wheel respectively, the support including a tie-rod received in a coaxial through-hole made in the hub and in relative holes made at the free end of each arm of the relative fork. The tie-rod, when tensioned by appropriate means, allows holding the relative wheel in position on the corresponding fork. The transmission element supported rotatably by one of the arms of the rear fork. A positive-locking fit rotatably connects the transmission element with the rear wheel hub. The above-mentioned positive-locking fit established when the tie-rod is under tension and nullified when the tie-rod is released.

Abstract: An inverted vehicle according to the present invention includes: a riding portion; an output portion; an input portion that receives an input of the signal output from the output portion; a passing/blocking portion which includes a passing portion and a blocking portion; a main support portion that elastically supports the riding portion so that the blocking portion is located between the output portion and the input portion to block passage of the signal when no load is applied to the riding portion, and is compressed and deformed so that the passing portion is located between the output portion and the input portion to allow passage of the signal when a load is applied to the riding portion; and a control portion that performs an inverted traveling control of the inverted vehicle when the signal is passing through a path between the output portion and the input portion.

Abstract: A sub-assembly for a bike, trike or quad, more particularly for a motorcycle or a motor scooter, includes a steering head and at least one profile element connecting the steering head to a supporting part of the bike, trike or quad, more particularly to a main frame, engine housing or battery casing or a part thereof. The profile element in the sub-assembly is made from a shaped piece of sheet metal.

Abstract: Discloses methods and apparatus for headset transmissions mounted to a steerer tube rotationally mounted relative to a head-tube and headset of a cycle frame. A first transmission member mounts about a rotational axis of the steerer tube. The first transmission member rotates with the steerer tube about the rotational axis, and can also translate relative to the steerer tube to transmit a first displacement force to or from a handle bar mounted device. The first displacement force is transmitted to the first transmission member from an interior of the steerer tube. A second transmission member mounts about the rotational axis of the steerer tube. The second transmission member is rotationally isolated to rotate relative to the first transmission member, and can translate with the first transmission member. The second transmission member allows transmission of a second displacement force, from the first displacement force, to a cycle frame mounted device.

Abstract: Bicycle having disc brakes, transmission device including transmission element rotatably integral with drive wheel and coaxial thereto, frame with front and rear forks; rotatable removable support for front free wheel hub and rear drive wheel hub respectively at two ends of the arms of each fork, the support including a tie-rod in coaxial through-hole in the hub and holes at each fork arm free end, the tie-rod, when tensioned, allowing holding the wheel on the corresponding fork. The brake with disc and caliper on at least one side of at least one wheel. The disc coaxial with the relative wheel, the caliper with pads fixed to the corresponding arm. The discs supported rotatably, by the same arms. Elements for establishing a positive-locking fit allowing rotatably connecting the relative disc with the relative wheel hub when the tie-rod is tensioned and nullifying the positive-locking fit when the tie-rod is released.

Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic quick-release apparatus comprises a main body and a hydraulic chamber. The main body includes a first hole and a second hole. The hydraulic chamber has a changeable volume and is provided between the first hole and the second hole. The hydraulic chamber is configured to be in a first chamber state where a volume of the hydraulic chamber is a first volume. The hydraulic chamber is configured to be in a second chamber state where the volume of the hydraulic chamber is a second volume different from the first volume. The hydraulic chamber is disconnected from the first hole in the second chamber state.

Abstract: A novel transmission for cycles that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such a transmission allows for improved recumbent cycling capabilities. The inventive device thus includes a combination of a fixed transmission assembly that reduces torque levels and a movable transmission assembly that multiplies torque levels, allowing for the avoidance of high torque effects through the vehicle's steering axis. As such, the capability of the overall cycle device to steer properly and to a rather wide angle from center while implementing such a torque transfer protocol allows for a unique recumbent cycle configuration. Such a device, then, may be utilized for a human-powered cycle vehicle or one that further includes an electrical component to allow for automated drive capabilities through a rear wheel or wheels, as well. The method of implementation of such a transmission within a variety of cycle devices is also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A bicycle having an assembly with a derailleur hanger is provided. The bicycle includes a frame having a chain stay member, the chain stay member having a first end adjacent a crank assembly and an opposing second end. A hub is removably coupled to the frame. A rear drop out member is coupled to the chain stay member, the drop out member having a recess, the slot having a first hole extending therethrough. A brake caliper is coupled to the chain stay member adjacent the second end. A derailleur hanger is movably coupled to the rear drop out member, the derailleur hanger having a protrusion positioned within the slot, the derailleur hanger being movable from a first position with the second hole arranged co-axial with the first hole and a second position, the hub being coupled to the drop out member when the derailleur hanger is in the first position.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a front wheel drive train that supplies power to a front wheel and a rear wheel drive train that supplies power to a rear wheel. The front wheel drive train is configured to drive the front wheel at a selected rate that is faster than a rate at which the rear wheel drive train drives the rear wheel. Driving the front wheel at the selected faster rate relative to the rear wheel provides enhanced steering capabilities in soft terrain, as the front wheel pulls the motorcycle in a direction that the front wheel is pointed.

Abstract: A bicycle configured for communication with other bicycles, a centralized server, client computing devices and third party servers allows the rider to be connected with friends, coaches/trainers, and third party vendors including vendors associated with lodging, food, and other conveniences, vendors associated with bike servicing, equipment, warranties, and other bike related products and services, and vendors associated with routes, areas or destinations. Information may be communicated in real time or stored in memory and communicated to servers, client devices, other riders, etc., at a later date. Information may be communicated to the bike controller for route planning, service scheduling, training purposes and the like. Information communicated to or from the bicycle may be performed as indicated by the rider or there may be predetermined rules or guidelines for what information is collected and to whom the information may be sent to or received from.

Abstract: A microprocessor may consider difficulties in changing gears, for a multi-geared, pedal-operated vehicle, within the limits placed on the gear shifting due to fatigue, pedaling rate (cadence), torque placed in the pedals and the speed of the multi-geared, pedal-operated vehicle. These limitations may be into consideration in determining, in real-time, suitable gear choices for an operator of the multi-geared, pedal-operated vehicle.

Abstract: A collapsible watercraft assembly can include a first pontoon half, a second pontoon half, and a frame member. Each pontoon half can have a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one post. The first pontoon half and the second pontoon half can be positionable with respect to one another in an operating configuration and a stowed configuration. The operating configuration can be defined when the sterns of the pontoon halves confront one another and the stowed configuration can be defined when the top surfaces of the pontoon halves confront one another. The frame member can be concurrently engageable with the posts to fix the pontoon halves together in the operating configuration. The posts can be interconnected with one another when the first pontoon half and the second pontoon half are in the stowed configuration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a portable platform for use on a boat. The platform has a number of uses including, for example, providing a platform to stand on for sight fishing and bow fishing from a boat. A method of fishing from a boat is also provided.

Abstract: A vessel having at least one hull, a body and a suspension system for supporting at least a portion of the body above the at least one hull is described. The suspension system includes at least one support means, and the vessel further includes at least one gyroscopic stabiliser for attenuating rotation of the body about at least one stabilising axis.

Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.

Abstract: An inflatable bag is selectively usable as one of a buoy and a punching bag. The inflatable bag is inflated depending on the selected use, and the inflating is practiced differently depending on the use decision. When it is decided to use the bag as a punching bag, the bag is suspended, and the bag is inflated with water. An inflatable bag member and kit includes components suitable for the selected use.