Abstract: A boat windshield, and labor saving method of manufacturing the boat windshield, are provided. The conventional components of a generally polygonal configuration frame, a piece of boat windshield sheet material that is transparent, and a mechanism for connecting the frame to a boat so as to construct a boat windshield are utilized. However the flexible gasket material that is provided in an inwardly facing channel of the frame, instead of being a number of discrete pieces which are cut and fit together at the corners, comprises an integral single piece of flexible (preferably elastomeric) material having continuous and integral corners corresponding to and disposed within the channels of the frame, the corners between the frame sides. The integral gasket corners are preferably produced by transfer molding. Only a small amount of caulk is used at the frame corners.

Abstract: Sections for the windshield of a boat are provided with each section having a transparent material with a continuous frame about the section including a bottom rail, a sub-top and verticals along opposite side edges. The sections may be manufactured and shipped in their sectional configuration and assembled on the boat with the verticals joining adjacent sections. To simulate the appearance of a unitary windshield, a top rail overlies aligned sub-tops. Seals are provided along the front and rear portions of the joint between the top rail and the sub-tops.

Abstract: A traction bending apparatus bends workpieces (such as tubes and aluminum extrusions) with good thickness and wrinkling control, in circular arcs or in shapes clearly distinct from circular arcs, with cold forging of the workpieces for springback control, with smooth symmetric bending of symmetrical parts, and with smooth bending of non-symmetrical parts, without jaw marks. The apparatus can readily effect multi-point bending and can be used with workpieces of any length. A stationary die support mounts a die adjacent a first end of the support, and has first and second control arms pivotally mounted to the die support second end. The first and second linear actuators, preferably hydraulic cylinder assemblies with piggyback pneumatic cylinder assemblies, are connected to the control arms to provide powered pivoting movement thereof. First and second traction arms are pivotally mounted to the control arm and have first and second workpiece engaging rollers.

Abstract: A fastener clip is provided for use with a boat windshield assembly which includes at least one trim piece extending along an upper edge of the glass or other transparent material, an elongated gasket secured within the trim piece and enclosing the upper edge of the glass. The fastener clip includes a pair of obliquely angled leg portions, one of which mounts a male snap fastener component, and the other of which is wedged between the glass and the gasket in such a way that the fastener clip does not engage the trim piece.

Abstract: A pinless hinge is provided for pivotally connecting panel assemblies (such as boat windshield components), comprising first and second elongated cooperating aluminum extrusion components. The first component has a first flange with a hooked termination of a first distal end, and including an interior arcuate surface having a radius of about 180.degree., and an exterior projecting surface opposite the interior arcuate surface. A second component includes a second body having a second flange extending outwardly and terminating in a second distal end, including a second arcuate surface having a second radius equal to or slightly less than the first radius and an interior opening of approximately the same size and shape as the hooked termination of the first distal end.