Abstract: An inkjet recording device includes: an inkjet head that forms an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink containing a phosphor onto the recording medium; an ultraviolet light source that irradiates the image formed on the recording medium with ultraviolet rays; and an imager that detects fluorescence emitted by the image by the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plate support for a self-inking stamp and plate support with a print side for attaching a text plate to the plate support, with two journals defining a swiveling axis of the plate support about which swiveling axis the plate support is mounted to swivel when used in a self-inking stamp, and with a reinforcing axle at least partially penetrating the two journals, integrally forms the journals with the plate support.

Abstract: The present teachings include a process, system and article for forming a printed image on a textile. The process includes coating the solution of an orthosilicate to form a silica network on the textile. The process includes applying an ink composition to the textile having the silica network on the textile, forming an image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layer shrink film comprising at least one shrink base layer and an inkjet printable layer, the latter comprising at least one cellulose-based binding agent, to methods of making such a multi-layer shrink film and of providing graphical information by means of such a multi-layer shrink film, to articles provided with such a multi-layer shrink film as well as to the use of a particular cellulose-based binding agent in the inkjet printable layer of an inkjet printable shrink film.

Abstract: A method is provided of generating a pattern image used to form a pattern on a surface of a fabric using laser irradiation. A plurality of parameters associated with laser irradiation units are input into a user interface. The parameters include an area parameter, a laser irradiation unit density parameter, optionally a discontinuity parameter, and a dye removal parameter. A plurality of laser irradiation units arranged in a pattern area of a user interface based on computer processing of the inputted plurality of parameters is received for viewing at the user interface. The laser irradiation units collectively establish the pattern image for viewing by the user.

Abstract: Provided is a booklet finishing device including: a frame; a first pressing unit and a second pressing unit which are configured to move relative to each other in a thickness direction of the booklet and configured to press the front surface and back surface of the booklet respectively; a forming roller configured to press the spine portion; and a forming roller moving unit for moving the forming roller along the spine portion. The first pressing unit includes: a first movable component; and a first guide component having a plate-shape. A surface of the first guide component facing the second pressing unit includes: a first guide surface; a first contact surface; and a first corner-forming end portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to animatronics on entertainment devices such as greeting cards. A shape memory-alloy wire may be coupled to a PCB housed within a greeting card body. The wire may be anchored to a linkage assembly that is swivably, rotably, pivotably, extendably or otherwise movably coupled to the greeting card body. The PCB may be configured to generate a signal to a driving circuit for supplying an electrical current through the wire, the current having a variable amperage that is modified based on the pulse file. The variable amperage causes a change in the temperature of the wire, which causes the wire, and thus the linkage assembly, to contract and expand. The linkage assembly may be coupled to a display body, which may include an animal shape, characters, popular culture images and the like. Movement of the linkage assembly causes the display body to move in an entertaining manner.

Abstract: A magnetic pen can be used in drawing arbitrary characters, figures, and symbols on a magnetic panel for a display by applying a magnetic field. The magnetic pen includes a body that includes an end portion. A holder made of a magnetic material is attached to the end portion and an internal space is formed in the holder. The holder includes a bottom portion formed with an opening and a side portion connected to the bottom portion. A magnet is arranged in the internal space of the holder. The magnet is received in a space formed by the bottom portion and the side portion.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener is disclosed. The pencil sharpener may include a housing and a sharpener assembly disposed within the housing. The sharpener assembly is configured to sharpen an end of a pencil. The pencil sharpener also includes a heating element coupled to the sharpener assembly that is configured to heat the end of the pencil. The pencil sharpener may also include a sanitation element to sanitize the tip of a pencil.

Abstract: An electric pencil sharpener includes a housing, the bottom of the housing is provided with a driving device, the upper part of the housing is provided with a fixed sleeve which is provided therein with a hob seat, a cutter holder is provided in the hob seat, a hob cutter is provided in the cutter holder; at least two taper holes with different conical angles are provided around the hob cutter peripherally; the housing is provided thereon with a turn button, the turn button is connected with the cutter holder and is turned to drive the cutter holder to be turned so that any one of the taper holes is aligned with a sleeve-in hole; the driving device drives the hob cutter seat to be turned, the hob seat drives the cutter holder and the hob cutter to be turned, the hob cutter drives the fixed sleeve to be turned.

Abstract: A lifting structure of an engraving machine is provided. A lifting platform of the engraving machine has four pivot holes each provided with a screw seat, and is mounted with a shaft seat having a drive gear. A sprocket is provided under each screw seat. A driven gear is provided under one of the sprockets to mesh with the drive gear. The sprockets of the pivot holes are connected by a chain. The screw seat includes an upper screw sleeve, a lower screw sleeve, an upper thrust bearing, a lower thrust bearing, and a spring. The lower screw sleeve is rotatable in the pivot hole through the upper thrust bearing and the lower thrust bearing. The spring is located between the upper screw sleeve and the lower screw sleeve. Two screws pass through the upper screw seat and are screwed to the lower screw seat, respectively.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting first and second chalk lines includes a generally planar body portion having a first end, a second end and opposed sides edges, an aperture formed in the body portion adjacent to the first end for attaching a free end of a first chalk line to the coupling device, and a plurality of spaced apart and linearly aligned hooks extending from the body portion adjacent to one of the side edges, the plurality of hooks defining a channel for receiving a second chalk line therethrough. Each of the hooks includes a clearance portion for insertion of the second chalk line into the channel defined by the plurality of hooks.

Abstract: A material and method for manufacturing components. The method includes squeeze casting the material into a component of a desired shape and flow-forming the component that has been squeeze cast to refine the shape of the component. The method also includes heat treating the component to enhance the microstructure of the component and machining the component to further refine the shape.

Abstract: A light emitting device for an automobile wheel is capable of generating electrical energy through torque of an automobile wheel, illuminating an advertisement member using the generated electrical energy, and controlling the advertisement member to display advertisement contents at a correct posture without being tilted in response to a reverse magnetic field generated during the electricity generation process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a wheel rim having a rim base of a fiber composite material. The problem to be solved by the invention is that of improving the production of the wheel rim, and especially to ensure a reliably functioning wheel structure which can be achieved with little financial and technical outlay. The problem is solved in that during the production of the rim base (2) a connection element (3, 13, 21, 31, 42, 51) is joined to the rim base (2), said connection element (3, 13, 21, 31, 42, 51) being designed and arranged in such a way that a wheel disc (4, 14, 22, 36, 45) can be connected to said connection element (3, 13, 21, 31, 42, 51).

Abstract: Sealing device for a wheel-hub unit provided with a rolling bearing and having a central axis and being provided with a screen joined together with an outer ring of the bearing to sealingly isolate the bearing and having a cylindrical mounting wall coaxial with the central axis and engaged with a collar of an outer ring of the bearing, and an annular reading wall, arranged transversely with respect to the axis, connected to the cylindrical wall and facing a phonic wheel mounted inside the bearing; the annular reading wall having a thickness variable radially depending on an angle of oscillation of the phonic wheel between an undeformed position. An annular front surface of the phonic wheel is equidistant from a plane perpendicular to the axis, and a possible deflected position, in which the annular front surface of the phonic wheel is arranged equidistant from an annular reading wall.

Abstract: A hub for bicycles includes a hub shell which is rotatably supported relative to a hub axle by two roller bearings disposed on opposite ends of the hub shell, a rotor rotatably supported relative to the hub axle by two rotor bearings, and a freewheel device having an interacting hub-side freewheel component and a rotor-side freewheel component. The two freewheel components each have axial engagement elements and are axially movable relative to one another between a freewheel position and an intermeshing engaging position. The rotor is disposed in the same axial position both in the freewheel position and in the engaging position. A driving torque is transmitted in the engaging position. The hub-side freewheel component has an inner central receiving space with a bearing seat and a roller bearing received to rotatably support the hub shell. The hub-side freewheel component includes an appendix protruding outwardly from the axial body section.

Abstract: A device configured to couple to a wheel assembly of a mobile device is provided. The device includes a first side portion configured to couple to a first lateral side of the wheel assembly. The device also includes a second side portion configured to couple to a second lateral side of the wheel assembly opposite the first lateral side, wherein the first and second side portions are compliant mechanisms configured to both move a movable obstacle out of a path of the mobile device and to retract in response to a force exerted on the first and second side portions by a fixed obstacle disposed along the path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire comprising a crown reinforcement formed of at least two working crown layers each formed of reinforcing elements inserted between skim layers of rubber compound, a first layer S of polymer compound being in contact with at least one working crown layer and in contact with the carcass reinforcement and the crown reinforcement comprising at least one layer of circumferential reinforcing elements. In accordance with the invention, the elastic modulus under tension at 10% elongation of at least one skim layer of at least one working crown layer is less than 8.5 MPa, the maximum value of tan(?), denoted tan(?)max of the said at least one skim layer of at least one working crown layer is less than 0.100, and the complex dynamic shear modulus G*, measured at 10% and 60° C. on the return cycle, of the said first layer S of polymer compound is greater than 1.35 MPa.

Abstract: A tire 1 has a tread portion 2 provided with: pair of axially innermost circumferentially continuously extending crown main grooves 3; outward transverse grooves 8 extending axially outwardly therefrom; and inward transverse grooves 9 extends axially inwardly extending therefrom. The crown main groove 3 is a zigzag groove comprising axially outer segments 15 and axially inner segments 16 extending in the tire circumferential direction, and oblique segments 17 connecting between the segments 15 and 16. The inward transverse grooves 9 are connected to axially inner intersections 18 at which the axially inner segments 16 intersect with the oblique segments 17. The outward transverse grooves 8 are connected to axially outer intersections 19 at which the axially outer segments 15 intersect with the oblique segments 17.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes: a tread portion; grooves formed on the tread portion; and land portions defined by the grooves, wherein each of the land portions includes: a pair of side walls which opposedly face each other with the groove sandwiched therebetween; a first projecting ridge formed on one of the pair of side walls; and a second projecting ridge formed on the other side wall, the first projecting ridge and the second projecting ridge extend along the groove, at least one of the first projecting ridge and the second projecting ridge is inclined such that a position of the projecting ridge in a groove depth direction changes along the groove, and the first projecting ridge intersects with the second projecting ridge as viewed in a width direction of the groove.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread which has designated direction to be mounted on a vehicle and has an inner tread edge on vehicle inner side and an outer tread edge on vehicle outer side when mounted on a vehicle. The tread has main grooves, and lateral grooves extending in direction crossing the main grooves. The lateral grooves include inner and outer middle-lateral grooves. The inner middle-lateral grooves include first and second inner middle-inclined grooves inclining in directions opposite with respect to each other and formed alternately with the first inner middle-inclined grooves. The outer middle-lateral grooves include first and second outer middle-inclined grooves inclining in directions opposite with respect to each other and formed alternately with the first outer middle-inclined grooves. The total number of the first and second outer middle-inclined grooves is set to be less than the total number of the first and second inner middle-inclined grooves.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a decorative portion on an outer surface of a side wall portion that includes a first region that is linked to the inner side in the tire radial direction and the outer side in the tire radial direction of the decorative portion without being divided by a circumferential direction rib band, and a second region that is continuously surrounded in at least three directions by a radial direction rib band and the circumferential direction rib band, the total area of the first region and the total area of the second region are each 10% or greater of the total area of the decorative portion, ridges are provided in at least one of the first region and the second region, and the pattern contrast between the first region and the second region is varied.

Abstract: A tire having a pair of high strength sidewalls lying opposite one another, wherein each sidewall has a plurality of plies that are shaped during manufacture to have a series of pleats or corrugations formed therein and stretching from the tire beads radially outward along the sidewalls. Each of the series of sidewall corrugations includes a pattern of alternating inwardly extending depressions and outwardly extending projections that extend continuously around the tire. The corrugations provide the sidewalls with an integral structural reinforcement, whereby the tire is advantageously capable of providing run flat support and avoiding damage to the rim on which the tire is mounted. According to a preferred embodiment, the tire herein disclosed is ideally suited for use on a motorcycle rim.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) includes a plurality of beacon transmitters each provided at different locations and each configured to transmit a plurality of beacons; a first TPMS sensor module configured to receive the plurality of beacons from each of the plurality of beacon transmitters, measure a signal strength of each of the plurality of beacons from each of the plurality of beacon transmitters, and transmit a signal including a first signal strength value for each of the plurality of beacon transmitters, each first signal strength value being representative of the measured signal strength of one or more of the plurality of beacons from a corresponding beacon transmitter of the plurality of beacon transmitters; and a control unit configured to receive the signal and determine a location of the first TPMS sensor module based on the first signal strength value for each of the plurality of beacon transmitters.

Abstract: A controller for a motor vehicle central tire inflation system. The controller causes the system to operate in a selected one of a plurality of operating modes that include a leakage assist mode in which the controller causes the system to inflate the tires to predetermined leakage assist pressure value. The controller is configured automatically to cause the system to assume the leakage assist mode in dependence at least in part on a first pressure signal indicative of the pressure of one or more tires, wherein when the system determines that a tire is suffering leakage the system is configured to establish a gas flow path between the tire and a remote pressure sensor and to measure a pressure of gas in the tire by means of the remote pressure sensor by reference to a second pressure signal indicative of a pressure measured by the remote pressure sensor.

Abstract: A method for assigning identifiers of wheel electronics to the positions of the wheels on the vehicle is disclosed. The wheel electronics send their individual identifier with information relating to the rotational direction of the wheel and to the occurrence of an impact on the wheel to a receiver. An evaluation unit: collects the identifiers and rotational direction information and the driving speed, and on this basis, differentiates between identifiers of wheel electronics on the left and right vehicle side; differentiates impacts reported from wheel electronics on the left vehicle side, from impacts reported from wheel electronics on the right vehicle side; measures the time between impact signals reported from wheel electronics on the left or on the right vehicle side; multiplies the measured time by the driving speed measuring during this time; and checks whether the length formed by the multiplication coincides with an axle distance.

Abstract: A system for monitoring tire pressure of at least one vehicle tire of a utility vehicle includes a pressure sensor for detecting an internal tire pressure of the at least one vehicle tire and an electrically controllable tire inflation system for varying the internal tire pressure. The system also includes a monitoring unit disposed in communication with the pressure sensor and the tire inflation system. The monitoring unit identifies a defect-induced loss of pressure in the at least one vehicle tire based on the detected internal tire pressure, determines a temporal progression of the detected defect-induced loss of pressure, calculates a volume flow necessary for continuous compensation of the pressure loss based on the temporal progression, and controls the volume flow into the at least one vehicle tire via the tire inflation system.

Abstract: Examples of techniques for determining tire leak rate are disclosed. In one example implementation, a method includes receiving, by a processing device, temperature data, pressure data, tire characteristics, and an estimated leak rate associated with the tire. The method further includes calculating, by the processing device, a temperature normalized fused pressure after fusing the temperature data and the pressure data. The method further includes determining, by the processing device, the tire leak rate based at least in part on a decay of the temperature normalized fused pressure over time. The method further includes providing, by the processing device, an alert to an operator of the vehicle that a leak is detected based at least in part on a comparison between the tire leak rate and a leak rate threshold.

Abstract: A wheel hub arrangement having a wheel hub for mounting a rim with an inflated tire. The wheel hub arrangement has a rotary piston compressor mounted rotatably on the wheel hub. The wheel hub arrangement has a switchable mechanical coupling device, by way of which the rotary piston compressor can be switched over between a compression mode, in which the rotary piston compressor can be actuated by way of a rotational movement relative to the mounted rim or the wheel hub, and a rest mode, in which it is passive and does not produce any compressed air on the outlet side, and the rotary piston compressor producing compressed air on the outlet side for filling the tire in the compression mode.

Abstract: Provided is a tire with self-inflation device. The tube is inserted inside the side portion where the extension and contraction movements of the tire are mostly occurring in order to further enhance the efficiency of the air supply to the tire cavity during driving. The air compressed towards the driving direction is injected to the tire cavity, and the air from the outside is charged to the tube due to the negative pressure formed in the tube located in the opposite side of driving. The durability is enhanced by reducing the exposed portion of the regulator.

Abstract: A tire inflation system including a wheel rim having an aperture through the radially exterior and interior surfaces thereof. A wheel valve assembly including a mounting portion coupled with the wheel rim interior surface. The mounting portion having an opening in fluid communication with the wheel rim aperture. A cap portion coupled with the mounting portion, defining a fluid inlet and a perforation in fluid communication. A valve at least partially disposed within the cap portion, and disposed parallel with the longitudinal axis of the wheel rim. A base portion coupled with the cap portion, and at least partially surrounding the valve. A fluid outlet defined by the base portion, and in selective fluid communication with the fluid inlet via the valve. A biasing member disposed at least partially around the valve, whereby the biasing member is compressed in the wheel valve assembly closed position.

Abstract: This application provides an improved trailer hitch coupler comprising a trailer tongue having a recessed portion, said recessed portion having a recessed portion front and recessed portion back wall; a moveable base plate inside the tongue recessed portion; a cavity spring positioned in the tongue recessed portion and biasing the base plate toward the recessed portion front; and coupler arms connected to the base plate at a pivot point, whereby the coupler arms rotate around the pivot point to open and closed positions.

Abstract: A hybrid arm according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a first body made of a metal material and formed with a plurality of end portions; a second body formed so as to fill an inner side of the first body by being insert-injection-molded to the first body; and a ball joint formed integrally at a first end portion among the plurality of end portions of the first body. The ball joint may include: a reinforcement member coupled to the first end portion; a bearing member formed with a space therein; a ball stud including a ball rotatably inserted into the space of the bearing member and a rod extending upward of the ball; and a housing interposed between the reinforcement member and the bearing member and formed integrally with the second body.

Abstract: A low suspension arm strut coupling is provided for a suspension of an off-road vehicle. The suspension comprises a lower suspension arm that is hingedly coupled between a chassis of the off-road vehicle and a spindle assembly that is coupled with a front wheel. An upper suspension arm is hingedly coupled between the chassis and the spindle assembly. A strut is coupled between the lower suspension arm and the chassis. A lower pivot couples the strut to the lower suspension, and an upper pivot couples the strut to the chassis. The upper and lower pivots provide a lower center of gravity of the off-road vehicle and a relatively smaller shock angle. The lower suspension arm is reinforced to withstand forces due to movement of the front wheel and operation of the strut in response to travel over terrain.

Abstract: A vehicle has a frame and left and right suspension assemblies connected to the frame. Each suspension assembly has a suspension support connected to the frame; a lower control arm having an inner end pivotally connected to the suspension support at two longitudinally spaced positions; an upper control arm having an inner end pivotally connected 5 to the suspension support at two longitudinally spaces positions; a knuckle pivotally connected to outer ends of the lower and outer control arms; and a shock absorber having an upper end pivotally connected to the suspension support and a lower end pivotally connected to one of the lower and upper control arms. A sway bar has ends connected to two of the control arms and is pivotally connected to the suspension supports. Wheels are rotationally 10 connected to the knuckles.

Abstract: An air spring assembly for a vehicle having a damper body decoupled from a piston, allowing the damper to rotate freely without inducing torsion into the piston. The air spring assembly includes a damper body, where part of the damper body is disposed in a piston, and a decoupling mechanism connected to the damper body. The decoupling mechanism allows for rotation of the damper body relative to the piston, preventing torsion from being transferred from the damper body to the piston. The decoupling mechanism includes an adapter ring connected to the damper body, and a rotatable machine element surrounding the damper body. The adapter ring is surrounded part of the piston, and the rotatable machine element is adjacent the adapter ring. The inner wall of the piston is in contact with the rotatable machine element, such that the rotatable machine element facilitates relative rotation between the piston and damper body.

Abstract: An air management system and method are provided. The system includes a compressor and a reservoir tank coupled to the compressor. A manifold block has a plurality of valves and is coupled to the reservoir tank and the compressor for controlling air flow. At least one pressure sensor is coupled to the manifold block. The compressor includes a boost valve for selectively directly connecting the reservoir tank and an air inlet of the compressor. An electronic control unit is coupled to the valves, compressor, and the at least one pressure sensor and is configured to provide pressurized air from the reservoir tank to the air inlet, determine a pressure difference between the manifold block and the boost valve, and retain pressure in the manifold block in response to the pressure difference being less than a predetermined amount to reduce startup torque of the compressor without exhausting the manifold block.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes a first rail assembly, a second rail assembly and an open-section twist beam connected to the first rail assembly and the second rail assembly. The twist beam includes an upper wall, a lower wall and rear wall wherein the upper wall and the lower wall are connected by the rear wall to define an open portion of the twist beam where the upper wall and the lower wall are separated by a vertical distance. The open portion of the twist beam is forward facing. The axle assembly further includes a torsion bar that extends through and is connected within the open portion of the twist beam.

Abstract: A hollow stabilizer has a tubular shape and is provided with a torsion section that is provided to a vehicle and that extends in the vehicle width direction; an arm section that extends in the front-back direction of the vehicle; and bent sections that connect the torsion section and the arm section. The hardness of the outer surface of the bent inner sides of the bent sections of the hollow stabilizer is 70% or more with respect to the hardness of the outer surface of the arm section.

Abstract: A vehicle system is provided. The vehicle system may include a tube configured to provide an outlet for condensate collected within a plenum that connects a cabin duct to a ventilation manifold arrangement. The vehicle system may also include a clearing duct that bypasses the plenum and connects the tube and arrangement, and a controller configured to block passageways between the plenum and cabin duct, and to activate a blower of the arrangement to build pressure within the plenum and clearing duct to clear the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal management system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: at least one sensor (13, 113) capable of measuring at least one quantity that can be used to determine at least one thermal comfort data item (TS), a predefined number of actuators (A101, A102, A103, A104), configured, respectively, for adjusting at least one parameter of an associated piece of equipment (3, 5, 7, 9) of said vehicle, and a control device (12) for controlling the actuators (A101, A102, A103, A104) on the basis of the measurements of said at least one sensor (13, 113).

Abstract: A method for defrosting a heat exchanger of a refrigeration circuit is provided. The method includes monitoring a compressor suction parameter at a suction line to a compressor of the refrigeration circuit. The method also includes determining a compressor suction parameter threshold. Also, the method includes initiating a defrost mode of the refrigeration circuit when the compressor suction parameter is less than or equal to the compressor suction parameter threshold.

Abstract: An interior lining element, for example for a passenger compartment of a vehicle, including a single-layer or multilayer decorative covering, the front side of which faces the passenger compartment and delimits the latter physically and, via the back side thereof, is in thermally conductive contact with a printed heater, where the heater has a plurality of flat resistance elements and at least two feed lines which are electrically highly conductive as compared with the resistance elements and via which the resistance elements can be looped into an electric circuit, and where in contact-making regions of the resistance elements and of the feed lines, one feed line and one resistance element are each printed overlapping each other.

Abstract: An ejector refrigeration cycle device includes: a radiator that dissipates heat from a refrigerant discharged from a compressor; an ejector module that decompresses the refrigerant cooled by the radiator; and an evaporator that evaporates a liquid-phase refrigerant separated in a gas-liquid separation space of the ejector module. A grille shutter is disposed as an inflow-pressure increasing portion between the radiator and a cooling fan blowing the outside air toward the radiator. The grille shutter is operated to decrease the volume of the outside air to be blown toward the radiator when an outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a reference outside air temperature, thereby increasing the pressure of the inflow refrigerant to flow into a nozzle passage of the ejector module.

Abstract: A vent register includes an adjustable vane, an actuator carried on the adjustable vane and a fragrance element carried on the actuator. A related method of distributing a fragrance in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A door curtain mounting structure for a vehicle includes a door panel having a door inner panel disposed and a door outer panel disposed inside and outside thereof, respectively, in a width direction of the vehicle, and a receiving space formed between the door inner panel and the door outer panel; a door frame coupled to the door panel in order to form a door window opened and closed by a window glass; a door trim disposed inside the door inner panel in the width direction of a vehicle; and a door curtain housing in which a door curtain blocking the window glass inside in the width direction of a vehicle is received, the door curtain coupled to the door trim and disposed between the door inner panel and the door outer panel, so that the door curtain is coupled to the door frame to increase a door stiffness.

Abstract: A slide-on-rod assembly includes a tube and a carriage configured to move within the tube. The carriage has a first contact surface, the carriage includes a wing rotatably coupled to a body of the carriage, the wing has a second contact surface, the first contact surface of the carriage is configured to contact a corresponding first contact surface of the tube, and the second contact surface of the wing is configured to contact a corresponding second contact surface of the tube. The slide-on-rod assembly also includes a biasing member coupled to the at least one wing and to the body of the carriage. The biasing member is configured to drive the first contact surface of the carriage into contact with the corresponding first contact surface of the tube and the second contact surface of the wing into contact with the corresponding second contact surface of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sunroof device having a good appearance which can enlarge ventilation area on the roof and decrease the wind noise when travelling. The sunroof device comprises: a movable panel; a guide rail; a panel supporter; a drive slider; a rear link; and a shield plate comprising a shield plate body and a shield plate arm located at rear of the shield plate body in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; wherein the drive slider and the rear link are provided at rear of the shield plate arm in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; and the front end portion of the panel supporter is pivotally supported on the guide rail by a support shaft, so as to be freely movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and is provided inside of the shield plate arm in the width direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A soft panel top assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The soft panel top assembly has a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a lightweight pivotal portion that folds back to provide the occupant a quick and easy open air effect. Two door rails of the soft panel top assembly are connected to the vehicle. Two side rail linkage assemblies are attached to header, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at pivot points created with a bracket attached to the door rails to allow the pivotal portion to pivot to an open position. The soft panel top assembly includes a rear header that is lightweight and engages with the existing seal of the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.