Abstract: A method for drawing a portion of metallic material having a known hardness. The method includes the step of applying a localized heat treatment to predetermined portions of the metallic material. Additionally, the method comprises forming the localized heat treated regions into a desired drawn or stamped configuration, wherein the configuration is substantially devoid of cracks.

Abstract: A frame apparatus, and process for constructing same, for use in the construction of various vehicles. The apparatus comprises one or more frame members, each fabricated from a single longitudinal extrusion, and one or more cross-members. The frame members include a predetermined number of regions softened through a localized heating process. The softened regions are bent to varying radii in predetermined directions relative to the profile of a specific frame configuration and then allowed to harden back toward their pre-softened hardness.

Abstract: A space frame apparatus, and process for constructing same, for use in the construction of various vehicles. The apparatus comprises one or more continuous outer frame members, each fabricated from a single longitudinal extrusion, and one or more cross-members. The extrusions include a predetermined number of slots for operable acceptance of the ends of the corresponding cross-members, as well as a predetermined number of regions softened through a localized heat induction process. The softened regions are bent to varying radii in predetermined directions relative to the profile of a specific vehicle configuration and then allowed to harden back toward their pre-softened hardness. The ends of the cross-members are also softened through a localized heat induction process, and then deformed so as to create a collar and flange portion operably positioned on opposite sides of each respective slot for securely maintaining the cross-members to the one or more continuous outer frame members.

Abstract: A thermal barrier apparatus and process for fabricating same, wherein the apparatus provides insulation between two or more juxtaposed frame members which may be simultaneously exposed to different temperatures and environmental conditions. A stretchable attachment strip, which is stretched to a reduced insertion shape, is at least partially inserted within corresponding strip acceptance channels of the two or more juxtaposed frame members. After the attachment strip has been properly inserted, there is a recovery step during which the stretched attachment strip recovers back towards a recovered restraining shape which not only binds the juxtaposed frame members together, but which also results in a contiguous but thermally broken profile.

Abstract: A screen enclosure apparatus, for use in screened windows, porches, doors and other screened-in builiding structures, capable of controllably breaking away upon excessive impact of resultant wind pressures on the frame of the apparatus. A frame structure having a channel running along the frame's length, serves to releasably or frangibly receive spline material which displaces or fractures at a predetermined resultant pressure. The spline serves to releasably secure a screen sheet, within the channel of the frame itself, so as to preclude damage which would otherwise occur not only to the screen sheet, but also to the supporting frame structures, when such high wind pressures are exerted thereon--to reduce the structural rigidity requirements for such frames.

Abstract: An improved process by which heavy duty aluminum ladder rungs are easily manufactured with the central stepping portion of the rung itself possessing qualities of exceptionally high yield strength, while the ends of the ladder rung are easily formable such that they are readily crimped and secured to the end rail or stile during the ladder assembly process--without cracking or fracturing. In order to maintain high strength at the central portion of the ladder rung while providing for adequate deformability at the ladder rung ends, the invention uses a selective localized heat treating process whereby high frequency induction heating is applied selectivley to the ladder rung ends prior to collar and upset formation.

Abstract: A ball catching and throwing device that comprises a scoop means at one end and a cup means at the other end. The scoop means is adapted to catch a ball and the cup means is adapted to receive the ball after the catching operation is performed. A ball has been tuned or impedance matched to the scoop-cup means so that the ball will not rebound out of the scoop means during the catching operation. The ball and scoop means have also been tuned and adapted to create a pleasurable, playable ball game in a walled court.

Abstract: This invention comprehends a new and unique method of playing a game and the rules of the game. The method provides for use of a scoop-cup means that has been impedance matched to a series of balls. Both the scoop-cup means and the balls have further been impedance matched to a person and thus to a court of play. In order to play the game, an inventive method has been provided that includes the rules and regulations of play.

Abstract: A remarkable degree of softness and flexibility is imparted to products such as artificial fur, soft woven or knitted fabrics and the like by using relatively small diameter fibers having a low elastic modulus. The fiber diameter and elastic modulus are selected to obtain a stiffness parameter of less than 8.5.times.10.sup.-9 but preferably greater than 1.0.times.10.sup.-11 lb-in.sup.2.

Abstract: An artificial grass product with pile fibers having a modulus of elasticity of from 25,000 p.s.i. to 100,000 p.s.i. and a moment of inertia of from 1.06.times.10.sup.-10 in..sup.4 to 8.33.times.10.sup.-9 in.sup.4. For fibers of rectangular cross-section the fiber dimensions range from 0.004 in. to 0.010 in. in thickness and 0.020 in. to 0.100 in. in width.

Abstract: A woven fabric consisting of warp and filling yarns made from fibers or filaments having a low modulus of elasticity and a large diameter. The fibers can be of any cross-sectional shape but have a moment of inertia of from 400.times.10.sup.-14 in..sup.4 to 7.8.times.10.sup.-9 in..sup.4 and an elastic modulus of from 2,000 to 80,000 p.s.i. These values correspond to a range of circular diameters of from 0.003 to 0.020 in. The fibers can be loaded with high amounts of fillers, such as pigments, color agents, flame retardants, antistatic agents, antisoiling agents, or antioxidants.

Abstract: Non-woven fabrics suitable for use as carpeting and the like are produced by needlepunching staple length monofilament fibers having an elastic modulus of from 5,000 to 60,000 psi. The fibers are also characterized by an area moment of inertia of from 400.times.10.sup.14 to 7,000.times.10.sup.14 in.sup.4 and a stiffness parameter of from 1.times.10.sup.-5 to 1.times.10.sup.-8 lb-in.sup.2.

Abstract: A melt bonded fabric is produced by blending particular ethylene-vinyl acetate fibers with fibers of higher melting materials, forming a fabric thereof as by needle punching, and thereafter subjecting the fabric to temperatures above the melting point of ethylene-vinyl acetate but below that of the other fibers in the fabric.

Abstract: Three dimensional shapes, typically of convex-concave form and having sufficient rigidity to maintain that form are molded from nonwoven, needlepunched fabrics containing certain ethylene-vinyl acetate fibers in admixture with fibers of a higher melting point polymer. Molding is accomplished by heating the fabric to a temperature whereat the ethylene-vinyl acetate fibers soften or melt but below the melting point of the other fibers and thereafter pressing the fabric between the mating faces of a mold pair and allowing the ethylene-vinyl acetate fibers to solidify and cool while in the mold.

Abstract: An artificial grass product with pile fibers having a modulus of elasticity of from 25,000 p.s.i. to 100,000 p.s.i. and a moment of inertia of from 1.06.times.10.sup.-10 in..sup.4 to 8.33.times.10.sup.-9 in.sup.4. For fibers of rectangular cross-section the fiber dimensions range from 0.004 in. to 0.010 in. in thickness and 0.020 in. to 0.100 in. in width. The fibers or product made therefrom may be exposed to ionizing radiation to promote cross-linking and increase resistance to cigarette burning.

Abstract: Fibers, yarns and fabrics are produced from polymers, such as the copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, having an elastic modulus of from 5,000 to 60,000 psi. The fibers are also characterized by an area moment of inertia of from 400.times.10.sup.-14 to 7,000.times.10.sup.-14 in.sup.4 and a stiffness parameter of from 1.times.10.sup.-5 to 1.times.10.sup.-8 lb-in.sup.2. Multiple fibers are spun into yarn, preferably cross-linked either chemically or by irradiation and are formed into pile fabrics for carpeting and similar uses. The pile fabric preferably has a minimum of 4,000 fibers per in.sup.2 of backing and a minimum pile height of 1/8 inch.

Abstract: A pile product defined by a plurality of fibers which may extend from a base, the fibers being formed of a polymeric material of at least 90% by weight ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The pile product is formed by molding the heat softened copolymer in a mold defined by a plurality of small cross section, elongated cavities having a relatively large aspect ratio. Upon completion of the molding operation, the fibers are cooled and withdrawn from the mold cavities substantially without breakage or elongation of the fibers to provide an improved pile product. The withdrawn pile product may be further treated to effect cross linking of the polymeric material for further improved characteristics of the final product.