Ford Motor Company Limited

Ronald C Malec

Paul R Ervin

Alan J Porter

A system for creating additional storage on a marine vehicle is provided. The system of the present disclosure is generally designed to secure to a marine vehicle via a rod holder, wherein parallel bars provide additional storage area for marine equipment, such as innertubes. To this end, the system of the present disclosure may comprise supports and support braces. Straps may be used to attach the marine equipment to the supports. To ensure that the supports are properly secured within the rod holders, a sleeve may be used to increase friction and change size. Board arms may be attached to the supports in order to increase storage area.

System and method for creating storage on a marine vehicle

A container (10) for compressed gas with a pressure relief member (18) made from a bimorph shape memory material. The bimorph (18) is impermeable by the gas. The bimorph (18) assumes a shape which changes depending on temperature. Below a critical temperature, the bimorph (18) lies in a first (deformed) state, and reverts to a second (remembered) state thereabove. The gas is entrapped within the container (10) when the bimorph (18) assumes the first state. When pressure rises due to temperature increase above the critical temperature, gas may escape from the container (10). This is because the bimorph (18) reverts to its second state, in which a relief gas passageway is opened, thereby relieving gas pressure.

Compressed gas container with shape memory alloy pressure relief member

A collapsible steering column is mounted to a vehicle by upper and lower bend straps. The bend straps are located such that their energy-absorbing function is not susceptible to interference by intrusion of the dash during front end impact. The steering shaft length is minimized through the use of a break-away coupling located substantially inward of the dash and within the passenger compartment.

Growing community of inventors

Northville, MI, United States of America

Ronald C Malec