Abstract: An upper die mounted on the upper bed of the press and a lower die mounted on the lower bed of the press mate with one another upon lowering of the upper bed. A mounting plate is spring mounted on the lower bed adjacent the lower die to enable vertical movement of the mounting plate. A seal unit to seal with the end of the tube accessible through an open end in the dies. The seal unit is mounted on the mounting plate for horizontal reciprocating movement between a retracted position withdrawn away from the tube and an engaged position in sealing engagement with the tube. A pusher carried on the upper bed engages with the seal unit upon lowering of the upper bed to push the seal unit vertically against the spring effort of the mounting plate to obtain sealing alignment of the seal unit with the tube.

Abstract: The method of forming a flanged tubular member is accomplished by sizing the tubular blank to the largest cross section circumferential measure of the desired end product and then using a hydro-forming die and process to expand any excess circumferential measure into a flange defining portion of the die cavity to thereby enable the formation of a cross section of lesser cross sectional circumferential measure than the largest cross section. The flange may be trimmed as desired to shorten the length of the flange, in which case, welding or other suitable attachment process may be employed to join the flanges together to strengthen the tubular member.

Abstract: A protective cover primarily for attachment to the side exterior surface of a vehicle such as an automobile and comprising a substantially rectangular flexible material such as a vinyl fabric to which an elongated strap is affixed for encircling the car door or window thereby rendering the cover resistant to unauthorized removal. Optional lower hooked straps provide means for affixing the bottom edge of the invention to the vehicle door panel and an optional rod contained within an elongated pocket, parallel to the elongated strap, provides added protection of the vehicle surface.