Abstract: A passing assist device includes a detection unit, a passing control unit, a speed setting unit, and a suspending unit. When the speed of an own vehicle set by the speed setting unit is lower than a preset speed when the own vehicle is traveling in a passing lane, the suspending unit suspends a lane change from the passing lane to a traveling lane by the passing control unit.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a coefficient of friction of a passable supporting surface with the aid of an ego vehicle, including a step of acquiring first data values, which represent a moisture level in the surrounding area of the ego vehicle, a step of checking the plausibility of the acquired, first data values by comparison with at least one second data value, and a step of determining third data values, which represent the coefficient of friction of the passable supporting surface; the determination taking place as a function of the plausibility check of the first data values, using the at least one second data value.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate switching between autonomous and manual driving modes. In order to do so, the vehicle's computer may conduct a series of environmental, system, and driver checks to identify certain conditions. The computer may correct some of these conditions and also provide a driver with a checklist of tasks for completion. Once the tasks have been completed and the conditions are changed, the computer may allow the driver to switch from the manual to the autonomous driving mode. The computer may also make a determination, under certain conditions, that it would be detrimental to the driver's safety or comfort to make a switch from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a driving control authority of a vehicle includes: generating stimulation for a driver using a stimulation generator; measuring a driver reaction signal in response to the generated stimulation using a measurement device; processing the measured driver reaction signal using a signal processor; determining a driver state based on the processed driver reaction signal using a determiner; and adjusting the driving control authority of the vehicle according to the determined driver state using a vehicle controller.

Abstract: An alarm apparatus to be equipped in a vehicle includes a driving controller. The driving controller is configured to perform automated driving control or driving support control of the vehicle, and to perform driving control of the vehicle. When a detector of the vehicle detects another vehicle approximately behind the vehicle, the driving controller performs acceleration control of the vehicle while the automated driving control or the driving support control is performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining autonomous vehicle operator awareness are provided. A method can include determining, by a computing system, an awareness challenge for an operator of a vehicle. The awareness challenge can be based on object data. The awareness challenge can have one or more criteria. The criteria can include a challenge response interval, a response time, and an action for satisfying the awareness challenge. The method can include initiating, by the computing system, a timer measuring elapsed time from a start time of the challenge response interval. The method can include communicating to the operator, by the computing system, a soft notification indicative of the awareness challenge during the challenge response interval. The method can include determining, by the computing system, whether the operator provides a user input after the response time interval and whether the user input corresponds to the action for satisfying the awareness challenge.

Abstract: An onboard apparatus includes an image capturing unit configured to capture a periphery of a vehicle, a display unit configured to display an image captured by the image capturing unit, and a notification unit configured to notify an occupant of information. The notification unit is configured to notify the occupant that the vehicle is in a startable state on the condition that, at least, display of the captured image has been started by the display unit.

Abstract: A wakefulness maintenance apparatus includes a presentation recording unit and a presentation execution unit. The presentation recording unit records in-vehicle presentation contents each including a corresponding one of scenes, an auditory stimulus action associated with the scene, and at least one stimulus action selected from a group of a visual stimulus action, a tactile stimulus action, and an olfactory stimulus action which are associated with the scene. The presentation execution unit executes, based on the in-vehicle presentation contents recorded in the presentation recording unit, an in-vehicle presentation including provision of: the auditory stimulus action associated with the scene, and the at least one stimulus action selected from the group of the visual stimulus action, tactile stimulus action, and olfactory stimulus action which are associated with the scene.

Abstract: A single pole aerial tramway apparatus carries multiple cycles in an upright position along the path of overhead cables from an aerial tramway. A single, bowed pole supports a multi-cycle support assembly on which multiple cycles are mounted. The bowed pole has a medial region that arcs distally from the cycles, so as to create additional space for loading and carrying the cycles. A bracket forms a junction point that detachably connects a pole cable end of the bowed pole to a cable extension member from the cable. The bracket may be hinged to enable the pole to sway to reduce mechanical stress. A multi-cycle support assembly attaches to the pole cycle end. A primary stabilization bar and a secondary stabilization bar carry and balance the multi-cycle support assembly. Cycle racks set on the stabilization bars receive the cycles in a front tire depression and a rear tire brace.

Abstract: Device for coupling a vehicle to a traction cable, comprising a fastening configured to couple the vehicle to the traction cable, the fastening including at least two rotatable elements configured to occupy a coupling position in which said at least two rotatable elements are in contact with the traction cable and the vehicle is coupled to the traction cable, the device including a variable speed drive configured to modify a speed of rotation of said at least two rotatable elements when said at least two rotatable elements are in the coupling position, so that the vehicle moves relative to the traction cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power car for a high-speed train, including: a body; a traction motor; a rheostatic brake; a first ventilation device of said rheostatic brake; electrical control equipment; and a second ventilation device for said electrical equipment. The first ventilation device comprises a first air intake sheath, the inlet and outlet of which are located on the roof of the body. The second ventilation device comprises a second sheath, the inlet and outlet of which are respectively located on the roof of the body and below the body. Each ventilation device comprises a fan arranged in one of the sheaths.

Abstract: A system for analyzing thermal properties of a railroad includes a thermal imaging device configured to generate thermal image data reproducible as a thermal image of a portion of the railroad, the thermal image data being associated with a location of the portion of the railroad, an electronic display device, a memory device configured to receive and store therein the generated thermal image data; and one or more processors configured to: determine a temperature metric of the portion of the railroad based at least in part on the thermal image data; and cause the electronic display device to display (i) a first graph indicative of the temperature metric of the portion of the railroad and (ii) a second graph indicative of a railroad track geometry metric associated with the location of the portion of the railroad.

Abstract: Provided is a technology for monitoring train doors which improves the accuracy of detection of trapping in vehicle doors. A server compares the difference between a static image (reference image 91), from each monitoring camera, of a normal state in which there is no trapping in vehicle doors, said static images being held in the server in advance, and a static image (an observation image 92) first acquired in a prescribed acquisition time. If a difference is present, the difference (difference image 94) between the reference image 91 and the observation image 92 acquired in the acquisition time is acquired. A quadrilateral F which covers the four sides of an object constituting the difference is subsequently rendered, the centre point of the quadrilateral is obtained, it is determined that trapping has occurred if movement of a centre coordinate C1, C2, . . . Cn, i.e.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a train is provided. The monitoring system includes an image capturing device configured to capture a video feed of a designated area associated with the train. The monitoring system also includes a controller coupled to the image capturing device. The controller is configured to receive the video feed from the image capturing device. The controller is configured to analyze the video feed to determine if a predefined triggering event has occurred. The controller is configured to record and store a predefined length of the video feed based on the determination. The controller is configured to provide a notification of the recorded video feed to a user through a user interface. The controller is configured to allow the user to access at least a portion of the recorded video feed through the notification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart helmet for use by railyard personnel at a railyard. The smart helmet may utilize many safety features, such as improved visibility, a real-time camera, a Wi-Fi antenna, an environmental monitor, high-accuracy location tracking, tracking the “state” of the railyard crew member, real-time communication, and mobile power. Each of these features may be incorporated with the smart helmet.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for identifying a defect of a passing train via acoustic monitoring. The method may include the steps of: receiving data from the passing train within a zone of observance using an array of microphone assemblies of an acoustic monitoring system that are positioned around a section of the track. The method may further include processing the data to determine pressure levels received by each of the array of microphone assemblies. The method may further include calculating a theoretical pressure level for a plurality of points within a three-dimensional space for each microphone of the array of microphone assemblies. The method may further include determining one or more locations within the three-dimensional coordinate space that represents an origin of a noise source indicating the defect. And the method may further include determining a type of defect based on the acoustic signatures.

Abstract: This system includes a ground ATC and an on board ATC, which is switched from an “active” mode toward a “standby” mode and vice versa by a wake-up unit. In the “standby” mode, only the following components remain powered: odometry device; a main computer; a radio communication device between the on board ATC and the ground ATC; the wake-up unit. The main computer is programmed so as, in the “standby” mode, to verify that the movement of the train measured by the odometry device from the switching from the “active” mode to the “standby” mode is zero and, in the affirmative, to send the ground ATC an instantaneous position of the train using the radio communication device.

Abstract: A foldable cart includes a handle portion, a foldable frame movably connected to the handle, and one or more wheels for rolling on a surface. In an unfolded (in-use or open) condition, the foldable frame constructs a holding-space defining a receiving cavity therein for carrying items, and the action of unfolding the frame automatically deploys wheels to enable immediate use of the cart by the end-user or customer. In a folded (storage or closed) condition, the carts' frame folds to occupy a smaller space in one or more spatial dimensions, and the automatically deployed wheels turn to occupy smaller total space in one or more spatial dimensions. In the folded condition, the cart is easy to store in a small space (e.g. in a small closet, under a bed, etc.) or transport (e.g. in the trunk of an automobile, vehicle, airplane, train, ship with a courier, etc.).

Abstract: A hand truck includes a frame that is supported by main wheels and a handle having two side members. Two handle brackets are pivotably mounted on opposite sides of the frame. The handle brackets are arranged for rotation in relation to the frame around a handle rotation axis. The handle brackets slidably receive the side members of the handle so that the handle is able to slide between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The handle is also able to rotate with the handle brackets between first and second rotational positions. A lock mechanism that is mechanically associated with the handle brackets and the handle is able to releasably lock the degree of extension of the handle in at least one position between the retracted and extended positions and is able to lock the rotational position of the handle in at least one rotational position.

Abstract: A child transport carrier includes an upper frame member having a forward end and a rear end and a rear frame coupled to the upper frame member. The rear frame includes a lower rear frame member, an upper rear frame member having an upper end fixedly coupled to the rear end of the upper frame member, and a first joint assembly coupling the lower rear frame member and the upper rear frame member. The rear frame is configured to fold between an unfolded in-use position and a folded storage position. The upper frame member and the upper rear frame member are fixed relative to each other. The first joint assembly is disposed longitudinally rearward of the forward end of the upper frame member and longitudinally forward of the rear end of the upper frame member in the unfolded in-use position.

Abstract: A worm wheel of an electric power steering apparatus includes: an inner wheel coupled to a steering shaft; an outer wheel disposed outside an outer circumference of the inner wheel and having a plurality of teeth on an outer circumferential surface to be engaged with a worm of a worm shaft; and a damper interposed between the inner wheel and the outer wheel.

Abstract: When detecting an abnormality in a portion related to control of an electric motor, a CPU that calculates a control amount for controlling the electric motor calculates a control amount different from a control amount at a normal time so as to continue the control of the electric motor and changes a threshold value for detecting the abnormality to a value different from a value at a normal time.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the condition of an electronic power steering apparatus or of at least one part of the electronic power steering apparatus of a motor vehicle includes continually capturing acceleration measured values in a region of the electronic power steering apparatus during a driving mode of the motor vehicle and continually providing the captured acceleration measured values to a damage computation section in the form of a damage meter that continuously sums the acceleration measured values and continually forms therefrom at least one variable characterizing a degree of damage to the electronic power steering apparatus or to the at least one part of the electronic power steering apparatus. The method further includes continually comparing the variable with at least one prescribed limit value.

Abstract: A steering assist apparatus on a vehicle is provided, including a steering drive unit that drives a steering apparatus; a steering control unit that executes an automatic steering mode in which the steering drive unit is controlled such that a turning angle is determined based on at least either a running state of the vehicle or road information to accomplish the determined turning angle; and a transmission ratio determining unit that determines, based on at least either a running state of the vehicle or the road information, a first transmission ratio in the automatic steering mode to be a value different from a second transmission ratio in a manual steering mode in which the steering apparatus operates in accordance with the steering angle inputted via a steering input apparatus.

Abstract: A system includes a computer programmed to specify a feedback torque to a steering wheel in a vehicle. The feedback torque is based on a steering torque applied to a steering rack and a deviation of the steering torque below a minimum torque. The computer is further programmed to actuate feedback torque to the steering wheel.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes: a current command value determining section that determines a current command value based on steering torque and vehicle speed; a vibration extracting filter that extracts a first vibration component having a predetermined amplitude and first predetermined frequency range depending on motor angular velocity; a vibration extracting section that extracts a second vibration component having a second predetermined frequency range depending on motor angular acceleration; a first compensation value calculating section that calculates a first vibration suppression compensation value based on the first vibration component extracted by the vibration extracting filter; and a second compensation value calculating section that calculates a second vibration suppression compensation value based on the second vibration component; and suppresses vibrations of the motor by feeding back the first vibration suppression compensation value and the second vibration suppression compens

Abstract: A parking support apparatus is provided with: a vehicle controller configured to park a vehicle by controlling behavior of the vehicle in accordance with the signal associated with the remote operation if a distance between a transmitter located outside of the vehicle and the vehicle is greater than or equal to a first distance and is less than or equal to a second distance. The vehicle controller performs a predetermined informing operation for an operator of the transmitter, instead of or in addition to controlling the behavior of the vehicle in accordance with the signal associated with the remote operation, if the distance is greater than or equal to the first distance and is less than or equal to a third distance or if the distance is greater than or equal to a fourth distance and is less than or equal to the second distance.

Abstract: A vehicle structure includes a vehicle frame and a beam. The vehicle frame has a first side member and a second side member extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction and a cross-member extending in a vehicle lateral direction from the first side member to the second side member perpendicular to the first side member and the second side member. A first end of the beam is connected to one of the first side member or the second side member at a location spaced apart from the cross-member. A second end of the beam is connected to the cross-member at a location spaced apart from both the first side member and the second side member such that the beam is angularly offset from the cross-member with an angle of between 35 and 60 degrees defined between the cross-member and the beam.

Abstract: A vehicle frame includes a first frame rail and a second frame rail elongated along a vehicle-longitudinal axis and spaced from each other along a cross-vehicle axis. The vehicle frame includes a cross-beam elongated along the cross-vehicle axis between the first frame rail and the second frame rail. The cross-beam includes a first groove and a second groove both proximate the first frame rail and spaced from each other along the cross-vehicle axis.

Abstract: The “Kinetic Kar” will have a large high pressure chamber filled with hydraulic fluid pressured up to 20 ton for the initial motion of the car. The pressure harvested by means of pumps, pistons, valves, and electrical gadget will be too high for the high pressure chamber. It is estimated that the car will move from zero to 20 miles in a matter of 2 seconds and run at up to 150 miles per hour for a mile before pressure tank is depleted totally. It will only take 3-4 seconds for pressure reservoir to replenish.

Abstract: In order to increase road noise transmission loss, a double-wall panel includes a core material. The core material is enclosed between an outer wall and an inner wall facing each other, and has at least a predetermined thickness across the panel in all in-plane directions of the walls. The core material has a specific surface area of 20,000 (mm2/cm3) or more, where the specific surface area is defined as a surface area per unit volume.

Abstract: A rear support structure for a vehicle includes a parcel cross-member and a brace assembly. The parcel cross-member extends from a first side structure to a second side structure of the vehicle and includes a first vertical member, a second vertical member, and an upper horizontal member that at least partially define an opening between the cargo area and the passenger compartment. The brace assembly includes a first brace extending across the opening and including a first end secured to the upper horizontal member adjacent a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and a second brace extending across the opening and including a first end secured to the upper horizontal member adjacent to the longitudinal centerline. The first brace further includes a second end secured to the first vertical member and the second brace includes a second end secured to the first vertical member.

Abstract: A drag reducing device for a vehicle includes an air flow turning component having a curved surface adapted to turn air flow passing over the curved surface, a first mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to a rear door of the vehicle, and a second mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to one of the opposite side walls of the vehicle. The mounting components are configured so that the air flow component is automatically in a deployed position when the rear door is closed, in which position the air flow turning component turns air flow passing along the side the vehicle inward to thereby reduce drag. The mounting components are further configured so that the air flow component is automatically stowed between the rear door and the vehicle side wall when the door is fully opened. The air turning component is an extrusion sized for a minimal prominence in the stowed position.

Abstract: An air-guiding arrangement for a motor vehicle has: a carrier, which is arranged on a body of the motor vehicle, and on which an air guide is provided such that it is driveable by a pneumatic drive with at least one air chamber for actuation, the at least one air chamber being arranged on the carrier such that the air guide is transferrable from a retracted basic position into a deployed maximum position, and at least one pneumatic supply line which, via at least one connector member, pneumatically connects the at least one air chamber to a pneumatics module of the pneumatic drive. The at least one pneumatic supply line is fixed to the carrier by at least one fastener.

Abstract: A vehicle, comprising: a vehicle body; a wing having an upper side and a front; a wing support mounted between the vehicle body and the wing, the wing support extending from the upper side of the wing, around the front of the wing, to the vehicle body and being pivotally attached to the wing at a first location on the wing so that the first location is positionally fixed relative to the wing support and the wing can rotate between a first position and a second position; a linear actuator for moving the wing between the first position and the second position; and a linkage pivotally attached to the wing at a second location forwards of the first location and coupled to the linear actuator so that the linear actuator can move the wing between the first position and the second position; wherein the wing is capable of imposing a downforce on the wing support acting through a centre of pressure of the wing as a result of the action of rearward airflow on the wing and the centre of pressure is located rearwards of

Abstract: An air-directing device for a motor-vehicle body includes an air-directing element having a longitudinal axis and being accommodated in a guide element of the air-directing device. The air directing device additionally includes a flow channel formed in between the guide element and the air-directing element, wherein flow can take place through the flow channel starting from an entry opening, which faces toward a front of the motor-vehicle body, and extending through an exit opening, which faces away from the entry opening. The air-directing device is designed so that the air flowing through the flow channel is guided thereby such that it can flow out of the exit opening transversely to an outer contour of the air-directing element.

Abstract: A drag reducing device for a vehicle body having a top wall and a door pivotably mounted to the rear of the body to open toward a side wall of the body, includes a wing sized and configured to turn airflow across the top wall of the body, the wing having a trailing edge and a proximal edge; and an assembly mounted to the door and configured for pivoting the wing so that the trailing edge of the wing is pivoted upward to a position above the top wall of the vehicle body when the door is open and for pivoting the wing so that the trailing edge of the wing is pivoted downward to a position below the top wall of the vehicle body when the door is closed.

Abstract: A lubricating oil maintenance cap assembly includes a cap having an outer side, and an inner side, a shield, anchor assemblies, the shield is applied to the inner side of the cap, and the anchor assemblies anchor the shield to the cap. The cap is fashioned of a first material, the shield is fashioned of a second material, and the second material is different from the first material and is more thermally resistant than the first material enabling the shield to thermally shield the inner side of the cap.

Abstract: A track system for traction of a vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), an agricultural vehicle, etc. The track system comprises a track and a track-engaging assembly for driving and guiding the track around the track-engaging assembly. The track system may be configured to facilitate adjustment of certain aspects of its operation, including, for example, how it is positioned and/or can move relative to a frame of the vehicle, based on one or more factors, such as, for instance, a user's preferences (e.g., riding style, desire to “feel” the ground, etc.), an environment of the track system (e.g., a profile of the ground, such as a slope or steepness or a levelness of the ground; a compliance of the ground, such as a softness or hardness of the ground, etc.), a state of the track system (e.g., a speed and/or a direction of motion of the track, etc.), a state of the vehicle (e.g., a speed and/or direction of the vehicle, etc.), and/or any other suitable factor.

Abstract: A telescopic seat post, in particular for fastening in a seat tube (SR) of a bicycle (FR), includes: —a tubularly configured telescopic element with a longitudinal axis (LA) and a cavity extending along the longitudinal axis (LA), —a piston rod extending along the longitudinal axis (LA) in the cavity of the telescopic element, —a force accumulator connected to the piston rod for moving the piston rod in the direction of the longitudinal axis (LA), wherein an intermediate element is provided which is displaceable along the piston rod and along the telescopic segment in the direction of the longitudinal axis (LA) and is fastenable releasably to the piston rod in various positions along the longitudinal axis (LA) and, irrespective of the position on the piston rod, is fastenable releasably in various positions along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the telescopic segment.

Abstract: A protective case for a handheld electronic device is provided. The protective case can include a removable mounting system comprised of an interlocking member and a plurality of mounting bases. The protective case may further include a non-slip member to prevent the device from slipping on a surface and a magnet for attaching the device to a magnetic surface.

Abstract: There is provided a motorcycle rear fender structure provided at a rear part of a motorcycle. A rear fender main body covers an upper rear side of a rear wheel. A bulging portion bulges outward and rearward from the rear fender main body, the bulging portion in which a wiring chamber is formed. A partition wall is provided in the rear fender main body. The partition wall is provided with a first wiring hole for introducing an electrical wire connected to a lighting device into the wiring chamber. A side wall of the bulging portion is provided with a second wiring hole for wiring the electrical wire introduced into the wiring chamber to the lighting device. The first wiring hole is provided at a position lower than the second wiring hole.

Abstract: A three wheeled stand-up or sit down portable two part personal mobility vehicle suited to fulfilling the needs of a broad spectrum of drivers including the handicapped having walking disabilities and recreational users. The vehicle is configured to easily fold and collapse without the use of tools to thereby provide a convenient way for all people, including the handicapped or those lacking normal strength, to handle and store their vehicle. The folding mechanism is implemented with the steering column of the vehicle and enables the handlebar assembly to easily fold downward.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame including a front frame part and a rear frame part. A single front wheel is rotatably connected to the front frame part. A single rear wheel is rotatably connected to the rear frame part. Each of the front wheel and the rear wheel is adapted to have a cylindrical shape in top view when the vehicle is traveling in a straight direction, and at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel is adapted to expand and have a frustoconical shape in top view in a turning condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A portable Double Folding bicycle comprising a front wheel, a frame assembly and a rear wheel, the frame assembly comprises a handlebar, a front frame, a crossbar assembly, a rear frame and a saddle, the handlebar is detachably connected to the upper end of the front frame; and the crossbar assembly comprises a front crossbar, a middle crossbar and a rear crossbar, the rear end of the front crossbar is connected to the front end of the middle crossbar through a first folder, the rear end of the middle crossbar is connected to the front end of the rear crossbar through a second folder, and the saddle is detachably connected to the rear crossbar, with the inclination angle of the first folder being 58°-62°, and the inclination angle of the second folder being 89°-94°. The present invention facilitates the bicycle dragging and improves the overall usability of the bicycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering assembly for a vehicle, comprising two rotatable rods, oriented vertically and having a wheel attachment on one end wherein wheels can be rotatably secured. The rods are connected to a first cross bar in such a way that enables the steering assembly to be attached to the vehicle frame and allows the rods to rotate. The rods are also rotatably attached to a second cross bar on the opposite end of the rod in such a way as to allow the rods to rotate. The rods are also attached to a steering mechanism in a manner that enables them to be manually rotated in unison and which in turn pivots the wheels and steers the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control assembly for a vehicle has a housing that mounts to a handlebar of the vehicle and defines an interior. A rack gear is mounted in the interior for movement in a linear, translational, and/or radial direction. A pinion gear within the interior moves the rack gear upon rotation of the pinion gear. A sensor target is coupled to the rack gear. A sensor detects a position of the sensor target and generates an electric signal for a vehicle control unit. A grip is coupled to the pinion gear, rotation of the grip moving the rack gear and sensor target in a linear, translational, and/or radial direction, the electric signal varying based on the change in position of the sensor target. Opposing springs within the housing resist movement of the rack gear and rest in a normally preloaded state.

Abstract: A crank arm for a bicycle may include a body extending along a body axis and having a first body end and a second body end axially spaced apart from the first body end. The insert may also include an insert provided toward the first body end. The insert may include a base portion having a radially outer surface. At least one extension may extend outwardly from the radially outer surface and may be encased within a corresponding recess in the body whereby relative planar movement between the body and the at least one extension in a first plane. The retaining portion may have a retaining portion width measured in the first direction and the retaining width may be greater than the throat width thereby inhibiting relative radial movement between the at least one extension and the recess and preventing radial extraction of the extension from the corresponding recess.

Abstract: A bicycle rear sprocket assembly 28 comprises a sprocket carrier 31, at least one metallic support 33, and at least one rear sprocket 28a-28h. The sprocket carrier 31 is made of a non-metallic material. The at least one metallic support 33 is attached to at least one of a first circumferentially facing surface 41 and a second circumferentially facing surface 43 of at least one mounting arm 39 of the sprocket carrier 31. The at least one rear sprocket 28a-28h is made of a metallic material. A sprocket body 51 of the at least one rear sprocket 28a-28h is attached to the at least one metallic support 33.

Abstract: A cover for a vehicle, such as a boat, including a ratchet and straps. The straps are connected to a plate for evenly distributing the load placed on the straps when the straps are tightened by the ratchet. The straps, when tightened, provide form to the cover such that water will run off the cover.