Abstract: A system is for constructing a structure and includes composite panels having a laminate structure. The laminate structure includes a foam core to which are attached cover layers of the same or different material. One or both of the cover layers may include composite sub-layers. The system includes a number elongate and preferably extruded components for connecting the panels to form walls, roofs or floors for the structure. The system is modular, thereby providing a time and cost efficient approach for erecting a structure.

Abstract: A system for constructing a structure comprises a plurality of composite panels having a laminate structure comprising a foam core to which are attached cover layers of the same or different material. One or both of the cover layers may be comprised of composite sub-layers. The system includes a number elongate and preferably extruded components for connecting the panels to form walls, roofs or floors for the structure. The system is modular, thereby allowing for a time and cost efficient means of erecting a structure.

Abstract: A top assembly (24) selectively covers an open top motor vehicle. The open top motor vehicle has a front mounting edge (12) and a rear mounting edge (14). The top assembly (24) includes a fabric sheet (26) and retainers (32, 34) fixedly secured along front (28) and rear (30) edges of the fabric for sealingly engaging with the front and rear edges of the open top. A pair of side frame members (31, 33) pivotally engages opposite sides of the front and rear retainers (32, 34). The side frame members (31, 33) are movable between a locked condition and a folded condition. When the side frame members are locked, the front and rear retainers (32, 34) are spaced apart drawing out said fabric sheet (26) and sealingly engaging the front and rear edges (12, 14) of the vehicle top opening. When the side frame members (31, 33) are unlocked, the top assembly folds for removal from the vehicle and storage.

Abstract: Compression moulding methods and products produced therefrom are provided, including compression moulded products produced from liquid resins having structural reinforcements incorporated therein. A requisite amount of the liquid resin is poured or sprayed into a mould cavity so as to cover the majority of the tool surface. A reinforcing material is then introduced into the mould cavity. The mould is then closed so as compress the liquid resin and wet out the reinforcing material and fill the cavity. The liquid resin is allowed to cure and harden in the mould cavity, whereupon the mould is then opened, and the reinforced structural part is removed.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly for transporting articles along a roof of a motor vehicle includes a frame member extending along the roof. The roof rack assembly also includes an electronic component for receiving and transmitting signals to an interior portion of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A top assembly (24) selectively covers an open top motor vehicle. The open top motor vehicle has a front mounting edge (12) and a rear mounting edge (14). The top assembly (24) includes a fabric sheet (26) and retainers (32, 34) fixedly secured along front (28) and rear (30) edges of the fabric for sealingly engaging with the front and rear edges of the open top. A pair of side frame members (31, 33) pivotally engages opposite sides of the front and rear retainers (32, 34). The side frame members (31, 33) are movable between a locked condition and a folded condition. When the side frame members are locked, the front and rear retainers (32, 34) are spaced apart drawing out said fabric sheet (26) and sealingly engaging the front and rear edges (12, 14) of the vehicle top opening. When the side frame members (31, 33) are unlocked, the top assembly folds for removal from the vehicle and storage.

Abstract: A running board assembly accommodates access to a motor vehicle. The running board assembly includes a plurality of mounting brackets fixedly secured to the motor vehicle and extending therebelow. The running board assembly also includes a step movably secured to the plurality of brackets. The step defines a stepping surface and a peripheral edge extending around a portion of the stepping surface. The step is movable between a deployed position providing access to the stepping surface and a stowed position wherein the peripheral edge abuts the motor vehicle to cover the stepping surface during non-use.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for securing a folding fabric top of an automotive vehicle between an open and closed position includes a front pivot bracket pivotally connected to a rear pivot bracket for pivotal movement between the closed position wherein the brackets are aligned axially and the open position wherein the brackets are overlapping. A first locking tab extends from each of said front and rear pivot brackets for releasably interlocking and retaining the brackets in the axially aligned closed position. A second locking tab extends from each of the front and rear pivot brackets for releasably interlocking and retaining the brackets in the overlapping open position. The front and rear pivot brackets support respective front and rear support frames supporting and attaching a folding fabric top to the automotive vehicle for pivotal movement between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A door assembly with upper and lower door portions. The upper door portion has a window section with one or more clear panels mounted in a frame member. In use, the entire upper door portion including the frame member and window section can be removed as a unit and conveniently stored in a pocket or cavity in the lower door portion. The window section in one embodiment has a vertically retractable panel and in another, two clear panels are provided that can be slid horizontally to open the window area. Another embodiment has a folding or pivoting upper door portion which can be collapsed on itself and conveniently stored in the cavity or pocket of the lower door portion.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for securing a folding fabric top of an automotive vehicle between an open and closed position includes a front pivot bracket pivotally connected to a rear pivot bracket for pivotal movement between the closed position wherein the brackets are aligned axially and the open position wherein the brackets are overlapping. A first locking tab extends from each of said front and rear pivot brackets for releasably interlocking and retaining the brackets in the axially aligned closed position. A second locking tab extends from each of the front and rear pivot brackets for releasably interlocking and retaining the brackets in the overlapping open position. The front and rear pivot brackets support respective front and rear support frames supporting and attaching a folding fabric top to the automotive vehicle for pivotal movement between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly for transporting articles along a roof of a motor vehicle includes a frame member extending along the roof. The roof rack assembly also includes an electronic component for receiving and transmitting signals to an interior portion of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A running board assembly accommodates access to a motor vehicle. The running board assembly includes a plurality of mounting brackets fixedly secured to the motor vehicle and extending therebelow. The running board assembly also includes a step movably secured to the plurality of brackets. The step defines a stepping surface and a peripheral edge extending around a portion of the stepping surface. The step is movable between a deployed position providing access to the stepping surface and a stowed position wherein the peripheral edge abuts the motor vehicle to cover the stepping surface during non-use.

Abstract: A system for removably attaching a tonneau cover over the bed of a pickup truck or similar vehicle. The system includes front, rear, and side rails. The front and two side rails are respectively secured in fixed positions atop the front and side walls of the bed. The rear rail is then suspended to extend between the two side rails across the mouth of the tailgate opening. The ends of the rear rail are inserted into longitudinally extending channels in the side rails and can be slid relative to the fixed, front and side rails. The system also can include one or more support bows that can be inserted into the channels in the fixed, side rails and slid relative to them to spaced positions intermediate the front and rear rails. With the slidable, rear rail, the cover can be selectively tensioned or loosen to ease putting the cover over the bed and taking it off. The tailgate and rear rail sealingly engage each other when the tailgate is closed to make the system substantially watertight.