Abstract: Method and apparatus of forming articles includes a press having a pair of opposite platens. An articulated clamping frame is mounted between the platens, each of which are moveable toward and away from the clamping frame. Material to be formed is clamped into the clamping frames and the articulated clamping frame is wrapped around the die as the die forms the material. The formed article is extracted from the die by moving the clamping frame away from the die.

Abstract: A molded polymeric trim panel has an upper and a lower edge. The upper edge includes a surface for receiving an adhesive for attachment of the upper edge of the panel to a support surface on a vehicle. In some embodiments, the trim panel further includes integrally molded spaced projections including slots or apertures for receiving conventional fasteners for providing for tolerance variations from vehicle to vehicle for installation. The resultant panel structure attaches either as original equipment to the vehicle or gloves over an existing trim panel. In a preferred embodiment, the upper edge of the panel includes spacing lands for providing clearance for vehicle doors once installed.

Abstract: The frame of a laminating press includes a plurality of spaced-apart fixed threaded fasteners over which an edge of a vacuum bag having apertures aligned with such fasteners is placed. Subsequently, a backing bar having aligned apertures is placed over the vacuum bag and second threaded fasteners are secured to the first-named threaded fasteners for clamping the edge of the vacuum bag between the channel and backing bar. In a preferred embodiment, the channel is substantially C-shaped providing a serpentine pathway and attachment of the edge of the vacuum bag to the laminating press frame, thereby securely holding the edge of the vacuum bag thereto. In a preferred embodiment also, a sealing pad is positioned on the lower surface of the frame to improve the vacuum seal between the vacuum bag and the lower adjacent table on which the part to be laminated is placed.

Abstract: A convertible sofa-bed which includes a bed support frame which is shiftable with respect to the sofa frame to convert the sofa-bed between sofa and bed positions. The bed support frame is attached to one of the arm supports and is extended into a bed position by pulling on the sofa arm. The sofa-bed may also include a unique two-piece bed support frame connected by an over-center pivot linkage which locks the bed support frame into the bed position.

Abstract: A frame for a recreational vehicle wherein the rear frame section is dropped or offset relative to the front frame section. The drop frame permits a recreational vehicle body carried by the frame to have a ample inside head room with a smaller outside profile. A pair of substantially vertical shock absorbers extend between frame connected shock towers and torsion bar connected wheel carrying pivot arms.

Abstract: A bed sheet which includes an elastic band sewn to the periphery of the sheet. A drawstring fitted inside the band allows the sheet to be drawn tight about mattresses of varying sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A towable vehicle which includes a pivoting access door. The access door is connected to the vehicle frame for pivotal movement between a vertical closed position, and a horizontal, open position wherein the door is supported by the vehicle frame and acts as a step. The vehicle may also include a storage access door which slides outwardly of the vehicle then pivots along an axial arm to provide access to a storage compartment.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a vehicle closure member. The latch includes a horizontal torsion rod activated by vertically lifting up on a handle operatively connected to the rod to lock and unlock the closure member. Biasing springs urge the handle and rod towards their closed or locked positions.

Abstract: A convertible rollover back sofa-bed which includes a wedge member associated with its pivoting linkage system which allows the sofa-bed to swing outwardly as the back of the sofa-bed is pivoted from its sofa position into its bed position.

Abstract: A convertible rollover back sofa-bed which includes a wedge member associated with its pivoting linkage system which allows the sofa-bed to swing outwardly as the back of the sofa-bed is pivoted from its sofa position into its bed position.

Abstract: A step attachment adapted for mounting to the body of a van or similar vehicle. The step includes a bracket fitted within a recess in the vehicle body and a step-defining cover which is supported atop horizontal flanges of the bracket.

Abstract: Retractable extension for a recreational vehicle including two side wall panels, an end panel and a roof panel. Each panel is of solid construction with the wall panels pivoting on a base panel to a horizontal folded position, the end panel has a compound sliding and pivoting connection with the roof panel and both are jointly folded from in-use position to horizontal position. The stacked panels are then telescoped within a recreational vehicle.