Abstract: A modular system for an automotive vehicle configured to permit removal of a removable structural module from and reattachment to an automotive vehicle is described. The system includes a removable structural module comprising a body, a support structure configured to receive and support the removable structural module and to permit the removable structural module to be releasably attached to an automotive vehicle, a sensing arrangement configured to permit confirmation of secure attachment of the removable structural module to the automotive vehicle and configured to permit identification of a predetermined type of the removable structural module, and a computer configured to identify the predetermined type of the removable structural module from among multiple possible predetermined types of removable structural modules. The removable structural module comprises multiple connecting structures that permit the removable structural module to be releasably secured to the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A patio that is pivotable over a ramp door via hinges fixed with respect to the ramp door. The patio has a wall that is pivots to align a catch plate to a kingpin. The kingpin is for being secured to the ramp door. The kingpin has a major diameter, an undercut, and a shoulder near a distal end. The shoulder is spaced from the ramp door when the kingpin is affixed to the ramp door. The catch plate is moveable to the kingpin so that the slot receives the undercut of the kingpin and the catch plate is retained between the shoulder of the kingpin and ramp door when the undercut is in the first slot.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a bumper reinforcement having a length, wherein the bumper reinforcement is disposed in front or rear of an automobile body with the length directed in transverse direction of the automobile body. The process includes joining a central part and lateral parts of unequal thicknesses to form a planar tailored blank. The process further includes press forming the tailored blank by hot pressing to produce a bumper reinforcement having a length and an M-shaped open cross section, the bumper reinforcement being curved at end portions of the length toward the open side of the cross section relative to a central portion.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle assembly comprises a main body, a suspension member and a supporting rail. The suspension member is disposed between the main body and the suspension rail so that the main body is mounted on a bicycle in an indirect way and, therefore, the bicycle saddle assembly can provide an outstanding suspending performance to reduce shocks and vibrations transmitted to the main body from the seat post of a bicycle.

Abstract: An adjustable height seat post including supporting means connectable to a bicycle frame, a quill associated with said supporting means and having a head suitable to clamp rails of a bicycle saddle, hydraulic adjusting means, associated with said supporting means, for lifting or lowering said quill in a desired position selected by the user, said hydraulic adjusting means including a cylindrical chamber inside which a piston assembly is foreseen, and valve means, suitable to selectively open or close an hydraulic path through said piston assembly for selectively lock or unlock the position of said piston assembly relative to said cylindrical chamber, and the valve means comprise at least a valve body, associated with said piston assembly, which is selectively rotatable from an open position, in which the hydraulic path is open, to a closed position in which the hydraulic path is closed.

Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. A rider handle, in the first mode, may be configured to be rotationally coupled with the stem in a manner permitting a tricycle rider to exert forces on the rider handle and thereby turn the fork, and the rider handle in the second mode, being configured to be rotationally uncoupled from the stem, preventing forces on the rider handle from turning the fork. At least one rotation restricted may be included for preventing the front wheel from turning to a position where the front wheel axis leads the fork axis, and for maintaining the front wheel axis in a position trailing the fork axis both when the tricycle is propelled by a tricycle rider in the first mode and when the tricycle is pushed from behind in the second mode.

Abstract: A ride on toy vehicle comprising a vehicle body. The body having an upper surface that is molded in shape of a seat including a saddle having a laterally widened rear end portion and narrow front end portion. The upper surface of the body configured to vertically receive a detachable handle where the handle is projecting upwardly from the upper surface of the body when mounted in the upper surface of the body. The detachable handle is configured to form a grip for the rider. The body of the vehicle having a bottom surface configured to protrude outwardly from the body at each horizontal end of the bottom surface to act as a safety bumper. The bottom surface has independent holes at each of its four corners. A wheel assembly independently inserted in each independent hole at the bottom surface.

Abstract: In a saddle-riding-type electric vehicle fuel cell stack fixation structure, a vehicle body frame includes: a pair of right and left main frames that extend rearward from a head pipe and that are arranged on an outer side in a vehicle width direction of a fuel cell stack; a pair of right and left downward frames that extend rearward from the head pipe and that are arranged below the pair of right and left main frames; and a cross member that bridges a space in a vehicle width direction between at least the right and left downward frames and that fixes the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A vehicle body frame includes a head section that rotatably supports a steering shaft, and main frames extending from the head section toward a rear side of a vehicle body. A cross section of the main frame in a direction crossing a vehicle body forward/rearward direction is formed in a substantially rectangular shape having a vertical width larger than a lateral width. A carbon fiber reinforced resin in which carbon fibers are oriented uniformly in the vehicle body forward/rearward direction is installed on at least one of upper surfaces and lower surfaces of the main frames.

Abstract: A powered vehicle has a rear frame assembly and a front frame assembly that are pivotally attached to one another, and can be pivoted from a normal fully-extended operating position to a folded position in which the frame assemblies are positioned substantially adjacent to one another, effectively reducing overall vehicle length to about half. One or more latch members lock the front and rear frame assemblies in the fully-extended, normal operating position, and they may be used to lock the frame assemblies in the folded position. The seat support structure may be integrated with the front and rear frame assemblies such that pivoting the frame assemblies toward the folded position collapses the seat support. The steering tiller may also be collapsible toward the front frame assembly. The rear wheels may be mounted on a transaxle that is pivotally mounted on the rear frame assembly. An extendable handle may be provided to assist in the folding operation and to tow the collapsed vehicle on its anti-tip rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus for a bicycle including a stem body and a mount. The stem body can include at least one handlebar clamping surface and at least one mount clamping surface. The mount can include a first clamping surface. The first clamping surface can be configured to match at least one mount clamping surface. The mount can be configured to clamp between the stem body and a handlebar.

Abstract: A bicycle brake and shift operating device is basically provided with a base member, a brake lever and a first shift switch. The base member includes a grip portion and a mounting portion. The mounting portion is configured to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar. The brake lever is pivotally connected to the base member at a pivot axis. The brake lever includes an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface. The first shift switch includes a first operating portion arranged along the inward facing surface of the brake lever. The first shift switch is arranged to electrically control a shifting device.

Abstract: A ride-along vehicle may include a spring/chain guard that covers a spring and chain assembly and provides an attachment point for the spring. The guard may have a narrow portion that covers and helps retain the chain on a sprocket as well as a wider portion that covers the spring. In another embodiment, the spring can be connected to a fulcrum that has a chain retention pulley, gear, guide, or wheel that keeps the chain tight in loop to improve the pump-action operation of the vehicle. An improved pumper arm and steering mechanism may include a pivot joint that is provided by rods, pins, or bolts attached to opposite sides of the pumper arm. The universal joint between the steering arm and the pumper arm can be aligned with the center of the pivot point to prevent rocking of the steering arm as the pumper arm is actuated.

Abstract: An electrically power assisted bicycle includes an electric motor, a detachable battery that supplies electric power to at least the electric motor, and an operation panel including a controller configured or programmed to control the display in a time display area and a built-in battery that supplies electric power to the controller. When the detachable battery is attached to the electrically power assisted bicycle and the electrically power assisted bicycle is in a power-on state, the controller is supplied with the electric power from the detachable battery. When the electrically power assisted bicycle is turned on from a power-off state in a state where a remaining capacity of the built-in battery is insufficient, the controller displays, in the time display area, information indicating that the remaining capacity of the built-in battery is insufficient.

Abstract: A bicycle hub assembly includes a hub shell including a braking surface. A coaster brake shoe is accommodated in the hub shell and cooperates with the braking surface to generate braking force. A motor is accommodated in the hub shell and configured to be controlled for at least changing or maintaining a gear ratio.

Abstract: A vehicle operable by muscle force and/or pedaling force including an electric drive, a control unit for actuating the electric drive, a crankshaft drive; a first detection device for detecting a cycle time across a predefined crank angle, a second detection device for detecting a force applied by a driver; and a third detection device for detecting a first time during which the force applied by the driver lies above a threshold value, or a second time during which the force applied by the driver lies below the threshold value, and the control unit is configured to calculate a quotient of the first time and the cycle time, or a quotient of the second time and the cycle time, or a quotient of the first time and the second time, and the control unit is further configured to control the electric drive as a function of the calculated quotient.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy harvesting power-assist system and method for human powered light vehicles. The power-assist system comprises a drive mechanism, one or more motor/generators and a high capacity storage device. The system continuously harvests and stores energy which is converted to motion by the motors, providing additional power to the user's pedaling. A controller determines the amount of pedal assist based on a user's preset value, and manages the charge and discharge of the high capacity storage device. As such, the system does not require any other external energy source, and the storage device never needs external charging under the described usage cases.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus includes a shaft, a driving plate, a first driven plate, and a sensor device. The driving plate is disposed on the shaft and rotates with the shaft. The driving plate includes a first block that has a driving surface on it. The first driven plate is disposed on the shaft and capable of moving along the shaft. The first driven plate includes a second block that has a driven surface corresponding to the driving surface. The sensor device is disposed close to the first driven plate for detecting the movement of the first driven plate along the shaft. When the shaft rotates together with the driving plate, the driving surface compels the driven surface to rotate and simultaneously move away from the driving plate along the shaft, and the movement along the shaft is detected by the sensor device.

Abstract: The bike's crank speed and crank position are sensed via a micro controller, torque sensor, gyro and accelerator disposed on the bike's crank. External power and control signals can be passed to and from the crank micro controller and the e-bike controller through a throttle connector of the e-bike controller via slip rings around the crank hub with and with pogo pin connectors connected to the respective slip rings. Throttle data can also be provided to the e-bike controller wirelessly via a wireless dongle coupled to the throttle connector of e-bike controller.

Abstract: A propulsion device for a bicycle can include a mounting assembly for releasably coupling the propulsion device to the bicycle, a motor, a power source selectively providing power to the motor, a gear assembly, and two frictional drive components coupled to the gear assembly. The two frictional drive components can be movable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. In the engaged configuration, the two frictional drive components are frictionally engaged with a side of a wheel of the bicycle such that the wheel is arranged between the two frictional drive components. In the disengaged configuration the two frictional drive components are disengaged from the wheel. The motor can drive the gear assembly: (i) to move the two frictional drive components into the engaged configuration, and (ii) to rotate at least one of the two frictional drive components to rotate the wheel of the bicycle.

Abstract: Powertrain for a pedal vehicle Powertrain for a pedal vehicle comprising a first (20) and a second (4) motor as well as an planetary gearing (3) having a planet carrier (14, 114), a ring gear (12, 112) and a sun gear (13), which first motor (20) is connected to the planetary gearing (3), which powertrain also comprises a crank axle (11) to which the ring gear (12, 112) is connected to create a first input to the planetary gearing (3), the second motor (4) is geared to the crank axle (11), a control unit (6) being designed to regulate the first motor (20) according to an angular position setpoint, and the second motor (4) according to a current or torque setpoint.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame having a tunnel; at least one ski operatively connected to the frame; a motor supported by the frame; an endless drive track disposed at least in part below the tunnel and operatively connected to the motor for propulsion of the snowmobile; a suspension assembly operatively connected to the frame, the suspension assembly supporting and tensioning the endless drive track, the suspension assembly having a least one rear idler wheel, the at least one idler wheel defining an idler wheel rotation axis; and a snow guard connected to the suspension assembly. The snow guard has a deflector. The deflector has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge is rearward and upward of the idler wheel rotation axis. The trailing edge is rearward and upward of the idler wheel rotation axis.

Abstract: A watercraft is made of at least two inflatable members, each being made of a drop-stitch which provides strength and stiffness comparable to a solid material. Air pressures of twenty to thirty pounds are possible with drop-stitch material. Using near net shape structures, a cockpit is formed by stacking one inflatable member on top of the other. The two members are separately inflatable and bound together adhesively or with heat welding or tacking. Advantageously, the watercraft can function as both a board type watercraft or as a boat, capable of being paddled while standing up, or motored with an outboard motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing device for an opening. The device includes a body that has a first side and a second side. A passageway is formed through the body such that the passageway has a first end adjacent to the first side and a second end that is adjacent to the second side. A sealing member is provided that includes an outer gasket and an inner gasket. The outer gasket is positioned adjacent the first side and the inner gasket is positioned adjacent the second side. A seal connector connects the inner gasket and the outer gasket and the seal connector passes through the passageway. In this way, the inner gasket and the outer gasket are mechanically attached to the ring. The sealing device is configured for use in such applications as sealing the cargo opening on the deck of a kayak.

Abstract: A retractable anchor fixture for accessories is described. The retractable anchor fixture is adapted for being movably disposed in a surface aperture in a surface and includes a fixture body, a fixture base extending from the fixture body, the fixture base including a stopper portion adapted for abutting an edge of the surface aperture, a first aperture defined by the fixture body, the first aperture being adapted to receive therethrough a portion of an anchor for anchoring an accessory to the anchor fixture, and an anchor chamber defined by the fixture body and communicating with the first aperture. An anchor fixture system including a retractable anchor fixture is also described.

Abstract: A tow body arrangement for a towable device in a sonar system includes a bridle having a front for connecting to a first tow cable and back for connecting to a second tow cable. The tow body arrangement also includes a tow body rotatably connected to the bridle between the front and back of the bridle. The tow body is shaped to generate hydrodynamic forces tending to rotate the tow body perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bridle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rescue device for a container (7) having container corners (9) loaded onto a damaged ship (110), comprising a crane (50) arranged on a carrier (20, 21, 22), wherein the crane (50) has a front support arm (51), over which a load cable is guided, whose section leading away from the support arm (51) is connected to a container (7) to be unloaded, and the length of which can be changed. The invention is characterized in that the carrier (20, 21, 22) has at least one locking mechanism (204, 205) located opposite the crane (50), by means of which the carrier (20, 21, 22) is temporarily fastened in a releasable manner at the container corners (9) of at least one of the containers (7) fastened on the deck (1) of the damaged ship (110).

Abstract: A watercraft chair. The watercraft chair is made of a frame assembly with a seat frame, a backrest frame and a footrest frame. A covering is disposed over the frame assembly. A plurality of fasteners extends from the backrest frame to attach the watercraft chair to a watercraft. The watercraft chair is movable between a folded and usable position.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to towing source elements and geophysical sensors through a body of water using one or more unmanned tow vessel. In some embodiments, a plurality of unmanned tow vessels are configured to tow one or more signal sources and/or one or more streamers. The plurality of unmanned tow vessels may, in some embodiments, traverse various sail paths along a surface of a body of water in order to acquire geophysical data relating to formations disposed below the bottom of the body of water.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method for affixing two or more structures to be used in connection with a floating dock, stationary dock, gang plank, swim platform, or the like. The subject invention more specifically discloses a deck structure which is comprised of one or more sections which are adapted to be interconnected, wherein said sections are comprised of a frame, and a deck, wherein the frame is comprised of a first box-channel on a first side of the frame, a second box-channel on the second side of the frame, and at least two self-squaring cross braces, wherein the self-squaring cross braces are attached to both the first side and the second side of the frame, and wherein the deck is attached to the top side of the frame.

Abstract: Use: in building of light, predominantly individual sports and tourist floating craft. Essence of the invention: the display on the surface of the swimming board or surfboard broadcasts the information received both from video cameras located either on the surface of the floating craft or on the supports or pulled in tow under the water, and from external mobile and other devices. The display is configured to stabilize the displayed image and compensate effects caused by water refraction coefficient, and has the ability of creating animated graphic marks and tips to facilitate user's balancing on the floating craft.

Abstract: An example inflatable paddle board includes an inflatable stand-up board chamber. The example inflatable paddle board also includes a curve-shaped front hull chamber at least partially overhanging at least a front portion of the inflatable stand-up board chamber. The example inflatable paddle board also includes a tent covering between the inflatable stand-up board chamber and the curve-shaped front hull chamber.

Abstract: Accessory mounting systems for stand up paddle boards are disclosed. In one example, the accessory mounting system includes a mounting plug secured to a stand up paddleboard, a accessory plate secured to the mounting plug, and one or more accessories secured to the accessory plate. In other examples, the accessory plate is provided with an adhesive backing and can be mounted and secured to the stand up paddle board, thereby allowing the accessory mounting system to be used on boards not having mounting plugs and/or at locations where mounting plugs are not present. In yet another example, a mounting track is provided instead of a accessory plate such that one or more accessories, such as fishing rod holder, can be slidably mounted on the stand up paddle board.

Abstract: A wakeboat has a hull, the hull forming a wake when moving forward in the water, with a left quiet region and a right quiet region in the wake. The hull may exhibit rotation around its yaw axis which affects the quiet regions in the wake. Yaw rotation may be measured via one or more sensors. Yaw measurement may be used to control the hull and quiet regions. A trim tab is supported by the hull at the stern of the hull. The trim tab comprises a primary subtab and a secondary subtab. One or more actuators may be optionally included to reposition the trim tab more into, or more out of, the water to create a surf left and/or surf right configuration. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A life vest with a rescue handle located on the back side thereof. The rescue handle has a flange located at the lower end thereof, the flange being attached to the back side of the life vest with the rescue handle extending substantially vertically upwards. The rescue handle is attached to the back side of the life vest in a manner adapted to support the weight of a user. The rescue handle has a non-loop shape that eliminates the potential for entanglement with objects in the water.

Abstract: A personal flotation device having a vest, an inflatable balloon, a gas cartridge, a tube, and a harness assembly. The vest comprises a first prong, a second prong opposite the first prong; and a connection member connecting the first prong to the second prong. The connection member comprises a pocket and a flap. The gas cartridge is disposed in the first prong of the vest. The tube connects the inflatable balloon to the gas cartridge. An end of the tube is directly attached to the inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon is characterized by a deflated condition, stored in the pocket, and an inflated condition.

Abstract: Water rescue systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. One water rescue system, includes, one or more poles, with one or more J-hooks attached thereto; and a sling made from a length of line to form a loop sized to accommodate a torso of a victim to be rescued from a body of water, and wherein one of the one or more J-hooks is positioned to hold the sling in position during the placement of the sling over the victim.

Abstract: Reconfigurable vehicles, methods of configuring modular vehicles are provided. Vehicles may have modules that may be coupled to the vehicle at discrete positions and at discrete angles. Configurations for the modular vehicles may be further determined automatically depending on desired vehicle characteristics. Modular vehicles may be configured manually, and a predicted vehicle characteristic may be determined.

Abstract: A paddling apparatus that includes a paddle having a blade on at least one end of a paddle shaft, an attachment removably attachable to the paddle shaft, and an accessory connecting element on a first side of the attachment for removably connecting at least one accessory to the attachment. The accessory includes a training aid that has a first base rotatably attached with the accessory connecting element and an elongated element pivotally attached to the base.

Abstract: A paddle mount for a boat is described. The mount includes a generally t-shaped tubular body including a flange and a stem, where the length of the flange and the stem is adjustable and the ends of the flange are configured to rest on opposite sides of the boat cockpit. The mount is configured to couple to the front end of the cockpit and to an end of the stem, such that the t-shaped body may be rotated upwards away from the boat. A mount adapter is also described that may be used to attach a paddle to the boat using the mount.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes an upper case, a lower case including an oil reservoir chamber, an oil flow passage, and an oil flow passage shutoff valve. When the lower case is detached from the upper case, the oil flow passage is separated into an upper oil flow passage in the upper case and a lower oil flow passage in the lower case and connected to the oil reservoir chamber. The oil flow passage shutoff valve opens the lower oil flow passage in a state in which the lower case has been attached to the upper case. The oil flow passage shutoff valve closes the lower oil flow passage in a state in which the lower case has been detached from the upper case.

Abstract: A steering system includes a steering sensor, a gear motor assembly, and a controller. The steering sensor is disposed at a helm. The gear motor assembly at least partially extends between a mid-unit and a lower unit of an outboard motor. The controller is in communication with the steering sensor and the gear motor assembly. The controller is programmed to command the gear motor assembly to pivot the lower unit relative to the mid-unit in response to a signal provided by the steering sensor.

Abstract: A rotary vane steering gear driven by a rotary vane hydraulic actuator, having a body confining an internal hydraulic space in the shape of toroid with a rotation axis (X-X). The body is divided by a plane (A-A) perpendicular to the rotation axis and in case of a circular torus shaped hydraulic space passing through the center point of the circle delimiting the space, the plane divides the space into a movable part (rotor 1.1) and a stationary part (stator 1.2). Both parts are bound by two thrust rings, that are fastened concentrically on the radially opposite sides of the hydraulic space, each to the respective edge of one body part and in radial overlap with the other body part, to create two concentric slewing bearings.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided. The aircraft includes truss elements configured to form a space frame fuselage, and skin panels connected with the truss elements and configured to form a skin over said space frame fuselage. The skin panels are movable relative to one another so as to prevent loading of the space frame fuselage from inducing loading in the skin. The aircraft includes a fitting. The fitting includes a first intermediate portion, a first outer portion, and a first inner portion. The first outer and inner portions are spaced apart from each other and interconnected by the first intermediate portion. The skin panels include first and second skin panels that are adjacent to each other. The first skin panel has a first end portion that is adjacent to a second end portion of the second skin panel. The fitting is positioned between the first and second skin panels such that the first and second end portions of the skin panels extend between the first inner and outer portions.

Abstract: An aerodynamic cover panel for a landing gear wheel well in an undercarriage of an aircraft includes at least one embodiment having a peripheral lip that defines a plane. Movements of the cover panel to open and close the wheel well are confined to pivotal rotation within the plane, and occur within an aerodynamic boundary layer of the undercarriage about a pivot axis in one rotational direction to open the wheel well, and in an opposite rotational direction to close the wheel well. The cover panel includes a flange, to which a rotary shaft is secured at one end for rotation about the pivot axis. The other end of the rotary shaft is secured to an actuator fixed within the undercarriage. In one embodiment, the cover panel rotates about an arc of least 75° between fully opened and fully closed positions of the wheel well.

Abstract: A reusable frangible joint includes a first part having a hemispherical convex surface, and a second part defined by a reversely identical mating hemispherical concave surface. The convex and concave surfaces of the joint are secured and held together in compression until a predetermined applied load causes the joint to fail. The joint includes at least one replaceable fastener that rigidly secures and holds the respective concave and convex surfaces together. The fastener, designed to be the only part of the joint configured to fail, is sheared apart under the predetermined load, which results in separation of the concave and convex parts from one another irrespective of from which direction or to which part the impact load is applied. The failed fastener can then be replaced, wherein the frangible joint becomes immediately reusable, as having incurred no other damage by the impact load.

Abstract: Provided are wingtip torque boxes and methods of fabricating such boxes using friction stir welding. Specifically, a wingtip torque box may be formed by friction stir welding two monolithic clamshells along their respective spars thereby forming a new monolithic structure. Use of the friction stir welding and monolithic clamshells simplifies the overall fabrication process and yields a robust wingtip torque box that can be bolted on or otherwise attached to an aircraft wing. The wingtip torque box may include internal grid stiffeners and/or external stiffeners that may be also monolithic with other components of the box. For example, the stiffeners may be machined in spars or skin portions of the clamshells during fabrication of clamshells. The wingtip torque box may have a continuous cavity extending between the ends and, in some embodiments, between spars of the box and providing access for performing various operations inside the box.

Abstract: A stringer beam joint structure of an aircraft formed from fiber-reinforced composites includes a wing and a wing box. The wing is joined to the wing box at a side of a joint structure. The wing and the wing box each includes a lower skin. A plurality of stringers is coupled to the lower skin and all made of fiber-reinforced composites. A first end of at least one of the plurality of stringers at the side of the joint structure features a web cutout with a taper formed in the base flange that spans longitudinal to the respective stringer and the taper located at the end of each respective stringer, where the taper runs from a knife edge of a base flange of the respective stringer to a full height of the base flange. The tapered surface of the base flange is contiguous with an edge of the web cutout.

Abstract: An aerofoil shaped body includes a plurality of longitudinal spars, an upper aerofoil cover, and a lower aerofoil cover. The spars and the covers are made of composite laminate material. One of the spars is integrally formed with one of the covers to form a spar-cover such that the composite laminate material of the spar extends continuously into the cover through a fold region created between the spar and the cover. The fold region has a fold axis extending substantially in the longitudinal direction, and the fold axis projected onto two orthogonal planes has curvature in both those planes.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is an engagement member for splicing a spar assembly in an aircraft wing including a joining portion having a first attachment for connecting to a first spar and a second attachment surface for connecting to a second spar; and a rib post extending from the joining portion and disposed between the first attachment surface and the second attachment surface. In an embodiment, the rib post is integral to the joining portion and is configured to couple with a rib web.