Abstract: The present invention provides a support spring which may be used in connection with cassettes, and particularly video cassettes. The support spring has a central portion which is adapted to be fixed to an inside surface of the upper portion of a cassette. The spring also includes a supplementary piece joining the central portion with a pressing part and a bending part which also joins the central part with the pressing part, the bending part being shorter than the supplementary piece.

Abstract: A chair wherein the leg contains a gas spring which can be actuated to raise or lower a carrier for the seat and back rest. The seat is rigid wtih the carrier but the back rest is pivotally connected with the seat by hinge which contains a torque bar tending to pivot the back rest forwardly. Such pivoting of the back rest is normally prevented by a damper which operates between the carrier and a support at the lower end of the back rest and can be blocked to maintain the back rest in a selected angular position. The damper can be unblocked by a first mechanism at one side of and beneath the seat, and the gas spring can be activated by a mechanism beneath the other side of the seat.

Abstract: A spring for compression and tension mainly in an axial direction and made of a material having a Young's modulus of elasticity of at least 39 GPa, such as metal, steel, glass, plastic or reinforced plastic is disclosed. The spring is in the form of a tube or ring of generally constant thickness. In cross-section, each ring is made up of oppositely directed inner and outer U-shaped spring parts with contiguous axial projections. A spring is provided which has minimal elastic hysteresis.

Abstract: Spring strips for spring mattresses, of the type having an intrinsical convexity, has a one piece construction capable of being manufacturing by a process of moulding, and includes end portions for coupling to a mattress frame by means of a plurality of longitudinal ribs in the manner of beams having longitudinally variable width edges with a maximum at the center line of the spring strip and a minimum near said end portions. The ribs are stiffened by a plurality of longitudinal and transversal diaphragms forming a grating of junctions and bars which constitute the area for the load support. For this purpose, a flexible plastic material is used.

Abstract: A reel spring for use in a magnetic tape cassette has an elongated central base portion and adjoining end portions extending out of the plane of the base. The spring has first and second parallel side edges and terminates at transversely extending tip edges. The tip edges are joined to the side edges by cutout edges such that the width of each tip edge is less than that of the overall spring. The method for making the reel spring includes the steps of feeding a continuous strip of spring material into a shaping die for cutting and forming the strip into a finished spring. An end portion of the continuous strip material is severed from the continuous strip to form an individual spring blank. This is done by removing a pair of facing cutouts from the side edges of the strip at the appropriate location and slitting the strip in the area of the two cutouts. The blank is then formed into a finished spring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reel hub latch assembly used in magnetic tape recording/reproducing apparatus. The disclosed reel latch assembly accurately locates a reel on a hub and prevents slippage between the hub and reel when the reel is rotated to transport tape onto and off of the reel. The reel mounting hub has an annular groove containing an annular, U-shaped radial spring at the bottom of the groove. The radial spring has a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers. An annular garter spring is located in the groove overlying the circumferentially spaced fingers of the radial spring. A magnetic tape reel, mounted on the hub, has a conical inner wall which is engaged by the garter spring. Preferably, the engaging portions of the spring are shaped to conform to the shape of the conical wall to reduce stresses on the reel.

Abstract: An improved disk harrow C-spring with a tapered cross section which reduces the compressive stresses in the inside radius and improves vertical and side-to-side flexibility. The curved portion of the C-spring has a constant cross section at the top and around three-fourths of the bend. At a location on the bend 45 degrees down from the horizontal, the thickness tapers to a location forward of the bearing hanger. The cross section is constant from the end of the taper to the end of the spring. The tapered cross section allows a thicker section to be used on the most highly stressed areas in the upper quadrant of the curved portion of the C-spring. The lower quadrant taper results in uniform stress distribution along the entire C-spring with the maximum compressive stress on the inside radius reduced substantially over a conventional C-spring. In addition, the tapered design provides an increase in both vertical and side-to-side flexibility for improved operation in rocky soil.

Abstract: A pressure spring for tape cassettes which consists of a spring steel strip which is, in particular, narrow and is of roughly uniform width comprises a flat central part and curved spring arms adjacent to said part and having a continuous curve. The flat central part has, as fastening parts, holes with indented fastening collars which, together with rivet pegs and recesses in a housing wall, form a roughly projection-free spring fastening, the riveted peg ending roughly at the spring surface. The pressure spring exhibits a straight line with a defined slope in the operating region of its spring characteristic. The pressure spring can be used for tape cassettes of all types, in particular for video cassettes.

Abstract: A combination leaf spring hinge assembly suitable for use in retractable beds or other retractable apparatus such as work benches.The leaf spring hinge assembly includes a base and a moving slat connected by a pivot means and a combination leaf spring adapted to engage a roller chain attached to a chain sprocket attached to the moving slat. The combination leaf spring hinge assembly is designed to efficiently transfer energy from the deflected load to the springs and back again upon load repositioning.

Abstract: A spring member is formed of at least two layers metallurgically bonded together uniformly and having significantly different rates of irradiation growth, so that the differential growth of the layers results in increased stress in a predetermined direction. The layers may be of different metals or of similar metals which have been treated to give them different growth rates, such as zircaloy with different tin and oxygen content. Examples of other properties which may be used to obtain differential growth rates for the two layers when they are of material with substantially the same constituents are alpha-beta phase transformation temperature, the annealing temperature, the work history, partial recrystallization, and precipitation hardening.

Abstract: A spring for automobile sun visor hinge and which is formed as a single member produced from a resilient metal sheet of a substantially rectangular profile by successively folding the sheet to substantially 90.degree. about successive four rounded edges. The spring member includes four generally rectangular portions and a channel-shaped curved portion. The first rectangular portion has a free edge located relatively closely adjacent to the fourth rounded edge that forms one end of the fourth rectangular portion and separates the fourth rectangular portion from the channel-shaped curved portion, the channel-shaped curved portion has a free end edge located relatively closely adjacent to the third rounded edge that forms another end of the fourth rectangular portion and separates the fourth rectangular portion from the third rectangular portion.

Abstract: Reel leaf spring/cassette cover combinations are described, wherein the leaf spring is removably mounted on the cover. In a cam fit embodiment, the spring is held within opposing pairs of projections. In a press fit embodiment, the spring includes lateral pointed members, which are caught between parallel projecting members formed on the cover. A related method of assembly includes the steps of: forming a cassette cover to include a plurality of opposing projections; inserting a leaf spring against the cover diagonally between the projections; and rotating the leaf spring to be removably engaged by the projections. In an alternate embodiment, the leaf spring includes lateral pointed members and the spring is installed straight down, such that the pointed members catch the plurality of projections.

Abstract: A micromechanical bending spring joint is formed of selectively etched wafer material. The joint includes a pair of leaf springs arranged alongside each other. Each spring is inclined at an oblique angle to the opposed surfaces of the wafer and such springs cross to define a point of intersection. The joint, selectively etched from a single wafer, is characterized by high precision of fulcrum position, bending spring constant and transverse axis rigidity.

Abstract: A leaf spring for supporting supply and take-up reels of a video tape cassette which has a narrow and uniform width on the whole while having a proper tensional force suitable for supporting the reels, whereby the leaf spring prevents a tape from badly travelling by maintaining the rotational centers of reels uniform without rolling thereof and reduces waste pieces from cutting materials.

Abstract: A leaf spring includes a plate having a thickness of between approximately 5 mm and 20 mm, a width of between approximately 20 mm and 200 mm, and a given length. The plate is arcuately deformed so that it includes a central portion with a height of between 20 mm and 40 mm. The plate exhibits a predetermined resiliency for maintaining the plate in a substantially horizontal position under a load of between 5 kg and 30 kg and for preventing the plate from breaking under a load of between 50 kg and 100 kg. Further, the plate includes first and second layers made of glass-fiber or carbon-fiber and a core member made of a polyurethane foam material positioned between the first and second layers.

Abstract: A spring leaf including a central section having a substantially constant thickness; a first terminal section integrally connected at a first end of the central section; the first terminal section having a thickness diminishing from the first end of the central section; a second terminal section integrally connected at a second and opposite end of the central section; the second terminal section having a thickness diminishing from the second end of the central section; a plurality of upstanding shoulders on opposite sides of the spring leaf and extending at least along a portion of the opposite sides in the longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: Leaf and wire form springs for use in the rear-seat storage compartments of Corvette motor cars. Either spring can be attached to the compartment frame and extend inwardly to engage the bottom of the push button housing. The spring allows the keeper finger on the frame to be engaged by the latch and hold the cover down. When the finger is released, the spring pushes the cover far enough upwardly so it can be grasped by the fingers and moved all the way open.

Abstract: An actuator for a vibratory material feeder comprises a base, a tray support, at least one spring for mechanically coupling the base and tray support, and a spring mount for mounting the spring to an actuator mounting surface on one of the base and tray support. The spring mount comprises first and second bearings each having a spring-abutting surface for supporting the spring therebetween, an arcuate surface and at least one hole therethrough; first and second bearing blocks each having an arcuate surface for mating with the arcuate surface of a corresponding one of the first and second bearings, and at least one hole therethrough. One of the bearing blocks abuts the actuator mounting surface. The spring mount further comprises at least one fastener having a shaft extending through the at least one hole of each of the first and second bearings and bearing blocks and a corresponding at least one hole in the spring.

Abstract: A ball valve is described having a latching handle with a latch plate having raised lugs that engage the handle, a latch mechanism or both to act as detent stops in predetermined rotational positions. A flat spring rolled at one end urges the latch mechanism into the latched position and a pivoting cap secured to the handle is latched by simultaneous action of the latch mechanism to block access to a nut securing the handle assembly. Provision is made for attaching a padlock.

Abstract: A Zamitter blade spring is made from a resilient blade (1), which comprises a midportion (2), and end portions (3,4) of different lengths (S, S.sub.1) joined to the midportion (2) by their ends. Other ends of the end portions (3, 4) of the blade have eyes (7, 8) to receive elements of pivotable connetions of the spring blade with longitudinal axes (9, 10) of these eyes substantially perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of the neutral line (11) of the resilient blade (1) passing through the centers (15, 17) of gravity of its transverse sectional planes (5, 6).

Abstract: A ring to be worn as an article of jewelry about a portion of a body of a person has pivotally mounted, first and second arcuate sections movable between opened and closed positions. A substantially T-shaped recess is provided in the first arcuate section. This recess extends along a portion of the arc of the first arcuate section and includes an outer head portion of a wider transverse dimension than an inner stem portion. The head and stem portions of the recess are joined through upwardly facing, transversely extending supporting surfaces. The recess further has an open free end, and the stem portion of the recess includes an opening along the arcuate inner surface of the first arcuate section for communicating with the interior of the ring. The second arcuate section has an inner surface and a rigid male extending male member projecting therefrom.

Abstract: The spring is one piece and elliptical with the working material concentrated nearer the ends than the middle section, leaving the middle section available for deflection limiting stops and for fastening holes. A preferred material is acetal plastic. The spring can be machined, molded or cut from extrusions in widths to suit use requirements. The spring is attached to mounting structure by a fastener which passes through a hole in one leaf and is seated on the other.

Abstract: A fluid level control valve has a base with an aperture formed therein. A cover is slidingly disposed over the aperture and is biased by a thermostatic element in a direction tending to close the aperture. The thermostatic element is an elongated strip having one end captured by tabs projecting from the base, and an opposite end is captured by a bracket formed on the base. The thermostatic element is formed with a V-shaped force imparting portion which is aligned with the cover and the position of the bracket is adjustable to place a selected force on the cover through the thermostatic element. The calibrated valve is then fixedly attached to a housing with the aperture aligned with an aperture in the housing.

Abstract: A spring support system for a compliant hydrodynamic gas lubricated bearing comprises a plurality of cylindrical spring elements that are retained by floating control rods in circumferential and axially extending arrays for the support of a compliant foil.

Abstract: An article gripper with a fixed jaw has a movable jaw mounted on reed springs. Deflection of the movable jaw permits the article to enter and exit the gripper. The movable jaw has an inlet cam surface and an outlet cam surface, configured so that a low-level inlet force deflects the jaw and reeds laterally, while a higher-level outlet, or removal, force is directed parallel to the reed springs causing the jaw to behave stiffly and thus resist pullout of the article.

Abstract: A method for making a reel-pressure spring for a magnetic tape cassette begins by feeding a strip of spring material from a traverse-wound coil into a first work station of a punch press. The strip material has a width equal to the width of the finished spring. A die pierces the strip material to form mounting holes. The strip material is then fed into a shaping die of a second work station. A cutoff punch severs a blank from the end of the strip material by cutting across the full width of the strip. A shaping die at the second work station shapes the blank into a finished spring, which is then ejected from the second work station to a discharge chute. Finished springs are stacked in the discharge chute in the order in which they are made in the second work station. The stack is packaged so as to maintain the stack intact until such time as the springs are assembled into a cassette.

Abstract: A heat sink assembly to dissipate heat from electrical components to a housing is disclosed. The housing is formed from a suitable heat sinking material including a body with integral continuous walls extending from the perimeter of the body. A carrier mechanism which retains a plurality of electrical components is positioned within the housing. The electrical components have heat sink tabs which are positioned in the housing such that the tabs are coupled with the housing to dissipate heat from the electrical components to the housing. A resilient biasing member including a plurality of resilient fingers is coupled with the carrier mechanism to retain the carrier and electrical components in position on the housing.

Abstract: A hairpin spring for holding a fuel rod in a fuel assembly grid consists of a metal strip bent to form two mutually confronting legs arranged to be welded together locally. At least in a zone which bears on the other leg, one of the legs is U-shaped and straddles the other leg through a respective window of the grid. The legs of the U may be formed as appendices bent substantially at 90.degree.. The arms may also close up slightly so that the other leg can snap thereinto or flare for self-centering of the other arm.

Abstract: A leaf spring of fibre reinforced composite material comprises a longitudinal cross-section having a thickened central zone, adjacent tapered zones and end zones. The tapered zones have curved surfaces comprising convex and concave portions, the convex portions being adjacent to the central zones and the concave portions being adjacent to the end zones. Each convex and concave portion is a segment of a curve defined by the equation(X/A).sup.c +(Y/B).sup.D =1.

Abstract: An improved leaf spring clamp is provided, particularly for use with composite material leaf springs, to securely fix the position of the leaf spring relative to a wheel axle or other suspension system member, such as in the suspension system of a motor vehicle. The leaf spring clamp comprises a rigid clamp plate. The clamp base forms a channel adapted to receive the wedge insert. The inner surface of at least one side wall of the clamp base fairs from both ends into a channel-widening concavity, preferably at the longitudinal midpoint of the channel. The wedge insert forms an inner channel adapted to laterally jacket the leaf spring. The outer surface of the wedge insert substantially fills the clamp base channel, providing a convexity adapted to register with the channel-widening concavity of the clamp base. The clamp plate attaches to the clamp base to clamp the leaf spring between them under a pre-load.

Abstract: The retainer assembly (10) comprises a longitudinally extending retainer body (12) having an enlarged diameter or head member (14) at one end and an arrow-shaped or flared member (16) at the other end. A V-shaped leaf spring (20) has an opening (24) at the bottom of the V-shaped opening (22) which receives the retainer body (12) so that the spring (20) is disposed between the head member (14) and a surface (31) of a first member (30). The retainer body (12) extends through an opening (32) in the first member (30) and the flared member (16) is resiliently captured within a resilient receiving member (50) disposed within an opening (46) of the second member (40). The opening (46) in the second member (40) is in a second surface (44) disposed apart from a first surface (42) of the second member (40) which engages the first member (30).

Abstract: A spring for hinges of automotive vehicle sun shades comprises a body part which is formed as a one-piece member, the member being bent over three edges so as to form four portions, two of the portions having free ends which face toward one another and are spaced from one another so as to form separate flexible wings, one of the flexible wings being provided with formations for facilitating insertion of a supporting shaft, the other of the flexible wings being provided with formations for engaging with an outer structure.

Abstract: A package (10) for dispensing a fluid (26) in the package under gas pressure has a biaxially oriented polyethelene terepthalate bottle (12) with a neck (14). A dispensing head (22) is attached to the neck (14). A normally closed valve (16) is mounted in the neck and has a housing (50) sealed to the inside surface of the neck (14). The housing (50) has a syphon flange (54). An integral structure (56) having a spring (58) at one end and a poppet (60) at a second end rests on the syphon flange (54). The housing has an opening (48) above the syphon flange 54). The integral structure (56) extends between the syphon flange (54) and the opening (48). The integral structure (56) is dimensioned so that the spring (58) is compressed to bias the poppet end of the integral structure (56) into sealing engagment around the opening (48). The dispensing head (22) has an integral diaphragm (42) and rods (52) and (46) extending above and below the diaphragm (42).

Abstract: A leaf spring (76) for holding down the pad backplate (72) and the pressure distributor plate, if any, in the pad opening of a disc brake at one side rests on a movable frame (12) of the brake and at the other side pressurizes the lining backplate and the pressure distributor plate, if any. The leaf spring (76) is designed such that, in relaxed condition, it has an arched center portion (106) which is followed at either end by an at least approximately straight side portion (108,108') the end portions (84,84') of which are fixed at the lining backplate and pressure distributor plate, respectively, in the direction of extension of the leaf spring. This is to assure reliable hold-down even at great accelerations in spite of the fact that the brake linings remain easy to be applied and released. Such a leaf spring provides a favorable hold-down characteristic for the lining backplate and the pressure distributor plate without impeding the venting of the brake.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device with a flat component made of fiber-reinforced synthetic material and an end power induction unit, in particular a leaf spring or transverse link for motor vehicles. The flat component essentially enters the power induction unit without a change in fiber direction and is contained therein by a clamp. The contact point on the power induction unit is displaced by a distance "a", asymmetrically to the fiber levels such that a resultant of perpendicular forces and forces acting parallel to the fiber direction cause a reduction in stress and momentary relief. The portion of the flat component in the power induction unit has a length, using the perpendicular projection of the point of application of force, that is at least two-thirds of the length from the point of application of force to the resultant in the fiber plane or at least corresponds to quantity "a".

Abstract: An improved spring and locking mechanism for an automative seat adjusting device which includes a rod slidably for selective positioning within a locking mechanism fixed to the seat. The locking mechanism includes a hollow tubular steel fulcrum and a formed channel shaped spring having a web extending across the fulcrum and a plurality of lockwashers and a plurality of legs at each end of the web. The spring legs contact the outermost lockwashers and tilt or cant the lockwashers about the fulcrum.

Abstract: A spring is constructed as a resilient U-shaped piece comprising a middle portion and leg portions disposed in the same plane, the leg portions including a bearing for taking an external load. The bearings are disposed on the leg portions in such a manner that a line passing through the centers of the bearings is parallel to the middle portion.

Abstract: A leaf spring of plastic material having a spring body of fiber-reinforced plastic material, which at least at one end is provided with a thickening, with an end zone (1) of the spring body increasing in its thickness towards the spring end (5'). On this thickened end zone (1), a spring eye body (6, 19, 26) is wedged up at its appropriately laminar mounting zones with the aid of clamping sleeves.For the manufacture of the plastic material leaf spring, one advantageously starts with a spring body, the end zone (1) of which exhibits plane parallel top and bottom sides (2, 3), respectively, on which coatings of a plastic mass of fiber-reinforced duromer plastic material are applied to form the aforementioned thickening.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mechanism for stationarily supporting an operation panel mounted on a steeering wheel of a movable body. This mechanism includes two external gears between which said steering wheel is interposed, and two satellite gears resiliently urged toward the external gears. One of the external gears is stationary and the other has an operation panel secured thereto. Two satellite gears are rotated in the same direction and as a result, the operation panel is rotated in the opposite direction to that of the steering wheel and keeps substantially stationary. Further, there is disclosed a signal transmitting system for a radiotelephone in the movable body. A microphone is provided on the operation panel and a speaker unit is located at any position in the movable body. A duplex signal transmitting path having a howling control function is provided between the microphone and the speaker unit.

Abstract: An optical system supporting device which comprises: a pair of first leaf springs which are in parallel with the optical axis of the optical system, but non-parallel to each other, and each one end thereof is fixed to a main body; a pair of second leaf springs which are perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system, are mutually in parallel, and to each one end thereof the optical system is fixed; and an intermediate supporting member to support the other end of each of said first and second leaf springs.

Abstract: A transparent window member for a tape cassette, which together with a reel pressure spring, forms a subassembly of the cassette. The reel pressure spring has a U-shaped central portion, the bight of the U being parallel to the plane of the spring arms, and the reel pressure spring having a longitudinal edge with two transverse slits spaced the same as the legs of the U of the central portion of the pressure spring. The central portion may thus be transversely inserted in the longitudinal edge of the window member and it thus forms a locating element for the pressure spring.

Abstract: A temperature and stretch compensating wire tensioning system. In parallel wire capacitive security systems, the maintenance of proper tension in the sensor wires in essential in order that false alarms be avoided as a result of movement of the sensor wires in the absence of an intruder. In the present invention, "V"-shaped plastic tensioners are used on several of the wire support posts in cooperation with wire guides on other posts to provide the requisite wire tension. The plastic tensioners are constructed from pairs of identical elongated arms each having an open loop at the proximal end thereof adapted to snap onto a support post for easy assembly of a security system in a manner which keeps them perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the post and directed tangentially away from the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A flat gun spring for hand guns in which a rib is formed in the spring extending from the butt end of the spring toward the claw end. The longitudinal dimension of the rib extends a major portion of the spring. The depth of the rib progressively decreases from the butt end of the spring to the claw end of the spring. The progressively decreasing depth of the spring permits more energy to the stored in the spring during the early stages of hammer rotation and less energy in the later stages of hammer rotation. This eliminates "stack up" immediately prior to hammer release. The region of the spring closest to the claw end is arcuate and the width of the spring tapers from the butt end to the claw end. These factors further reduce stack up. The spring is formed with substantially constant thickness, and the rib is formed with substantially constant width.

Abstract: A spring for use in a vehicle suspension comprises at least one leaf having longitudinal ends tapering outwardly from one end of the spring to the other to form a substantially trapezoidal shaped leaf spring. The leaf is resiliently biased by a spring constant to a normally semi-elliptical shape which deflects into a substantially linear orientation when the vehicle supported upon a ground surface by the suspension. The linear orientation of the usually semi-elliptical spring maximizes resistance to lateral distortion in the direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the spring. Preferably, the spring comprises a single leaf having tapered longitudinal edges and an eye at each longitudinal end adapted to receive a mounting pin therethrough.

Abstract: An operating unit including a brake operating lever capable of being grasped is mounted to a handlebar or the like. The brake unit for applying a braking force to the members to be controlled such as the wheels or the like is connected by a Bowden cable. In addition to the brake returning spring provided on the side of the afore-mentioned brake unit, a side of the brake operating lever is equipped with a returning spring. One end of the returning spring is mounted to the housing, while another end thereof is held on the side of the brake operating lever thereby exerting a force in the direction in which the lever is to be returned after being grasped and released.

Abstract: The welding ring described connects two housing parts of an electrical battery with electrode stacks arranged symmetrically relative to the welding seam. The ring is provided with spring tongues pointing radially inward and axially upward and downward which hold the electrode end plates on their end faces against an appropriately shaped bearing point so as to center them and retain them in their axial position. This arrangement makes it easier to weld the housing and prevents welding beads from penetrating into the container. Also, additional retention of the electrode stack is ensured.

Abstract: Brace for use on a body limb having a joint, wherein a cuff is adapted to be attached to the limb above the joint and a cuff to be attached to the limb below the joint, the two cuffs being joined by a connecting member. The connecting member consists of a main body having a track in which lies a limiting element, the limiting element allowing the main body to be bent one direction only, but not in any other.

Abstract: The suspension device comprises at least one suspension element formed by an elastically yieldable leaf between two rigid end portions, and four bearing means symmetrically disposed in pairs relative to the transverse axis of symmetry of the leaf on each of the sides of the suspension element.

Abstract: A spring member for use in a disc type friction coupling mechanism for urging the movable friction members associated with such devices toward their inoperative retracted positions, the spring member having a planar loop portion and at least one arm portion associated therewith, each of the arm portions being angularly displaced relative to the plane of the loop portion, the loop portion being removably attachable to the actuator assembly such that each spring arm portion respectively engages a friction member on the actuator assembly to urge the friction member engaged therewith toward its inoperative retracted position.

Abstract: An improved energy absorption device adapted to dissipate energy and thereby protect impact prone surfaces against damage is disclosed, characterized by use of a base member formed to be affixed to the surface to be protected, an impact/facia member pivotally mounted to the base member, and a spring member extensible between the base member and impact/facia member for disposing the impact/facia member in a stowed and/or operable orientation. The various members cooperate with one another to normally maintain the impact/facia member in a stowed orientation by way of an over center latching mechanism and permit rapid deployment of the impact/facia member into an operative position merely by pivoting the impact/facia member outwardly away from the base member.