Abstract: An improved spring unit for a box spring assembly in which a grid assembly is supported above a frame by a plurality of such spring units. The spring units provide self-limited deflection to prevent them from taking a permanent set after being overloaded. Each unit has two separate legs which support the spring assembly grid assembly to reduce point loadings on the grid assembly. The top portion of the spring spreads out forces over a large area on the grid to further reduce point loading. The configuration of the spring units enables them to be stacked densely without interlacing or twisting. The spring units include a center base bar, a pair of torsion bars extending perpendicularly therefrom, a center torsion bar which is connected to the upper and lower portions of the spring by connecting bars, and a top portion having a torsion bar and a pair of bar members extending in the same horizontal plane.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically closing the deck lid of an automotive vehicle wherein the deck lid is manually moveable between open and closed positions and carries a latch operable to latch the lid closed and release the lid for opening movement. The apparatus of this invention is advantageous because it will not interfere with manual opening and closing of the lid. It includes a drive mechanism connected to the deck lid and operable when actuated from a remote location such as a switch inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, to move the deck lid downwardly to a nearly closed position. A moveable striker inside the trunk compartment is engageable with the latch in the nearly closed position of the deck and is operable to pull the deck lid downwardly to the closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly consisting of a main frame, a fibrous matrix supported in a generally horizontal position on the frame and a foam body molded in place on the frame so as to encapsulate the matrix in the body in a position forming a support for a load-carrying portion of the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blow molding articles with deeply recessed edges utilizing mold halves each of which consists of a center section and end sections that are relatively movable in a direction lengthwise of the mold to enable both lengthening and shortening of the mold. Rack and pinion assemblies are associated with the mold sections so that in response to movement of one end section toward or away from the center section, the other end section is similarly moved toward or away from the center section to thereby enable selective lengthwise lengthening or shortening of the mold halves. This enables the mold halves to be shortened after they are closed on a parison to thereby compress the shape of the parison within the mold to thereby move portions of the parison closer to the edges of the mold cavity. This facilitates a uniform distribution of plastic material along the surface of the mold cavity when the parison is blown into conformity with the mold cavity.

Abstract: An accumulator head for blow molding machines having a diverter sleeve that cooperates with other components in the head to form annular concentric flow paths for plastic material between the inlet and outlet of the diverter sleeve to divide the plastic material into two arcuate paths which subsequently meet and split into two more arcuate paths in which plastic material flows in a reverse direction relative to the first two paths and is directed to the diverter outlet. The diverter sleeve thus insures intimate mixing of the plastic material and eliminates the likelihood of a weld line in the plastic material. In addition, the diverter sleeve is mounted for up and down movement with respect to the inlet for plastic material to thereby eliminate dead points in the plastic flow path and facilitate changeover from one material to another in the head.

Abstract: A seat system comprises an encapsulated bolster wherein the seat cushion and bolster are foamed as a unit with the two being connected by an integral joining portion of the foam. Hinge structure may be incorporated into the design to enhance the durability of the construction, foam being foamed onto the hinge structure. The seat cushion and bolster can be advantageously trimmed by extending the seat cover laterally from the seat cushion, over the integral joining portion, and over upwardly and laterally outwardly facing surfaces of the bolster. The cover is trimmed off adjacent a lower edge portion of the bolster where the trimming is concealed from view. Principles of the invention may be applied to various types of bolster systems.

Abstract: A multiple tank and pallet assembly comprising a rectangular pallet and four rectangular tanks arranged in a side-by-side confined cluster on the pallet enabling handling and transport of the pallet and tanks as a unit, individual tanks being removable from the assembly when desired. Each of the tanks is particularly constructed to facilitate discharge of the contents so that the assembly can be used to dispense four different liquids.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly which includes a frame having side rails with upright webs and upper flanges and a load carrying pre-stretched web mounted on and extending between the side rails. A plurality of J-clips are provided for mounting the web on the side rails so as to maintain the web in its pre-stretched condition.

Abstract: A process and multistation apparatus for injection blow molding a thermoplastic material to form a blow molded container having an integral injection molded handle is disclosed. The process and apparatus feature an injection mold which is closed to form an injection mold cavity with a contiguous injection mold handle cavity. A preform pin is inserted into the injection mold cavity through a preform carrier to form a preform recess into which hot thermoplastic is injected to form a hollow preform having a solid injection molded handle. After cooling the thermoplastic preform the preform pin is withdrawn and the molds are opened. The injection formed preform may be optionally heat treated prior to the preform being enclosed within a blow mold. The blow mold forms a cavity having the final desired container shape and a cavity into which the handle is enclosed.

Abstract: A linearly infinitely variable mechanism comprises first and second portions which are relatively axially positionable to establish the effective length of the mechanism. A rotary element is axially captured on the second portion. The operative connection between the first portion and the second portion is via a threaded connection of the first portion with the rotary element. The axial capture of the rotary element comprises a twist lock which, when locked, forcefully abuts the ends of the rotary element to preclude its rotation and prevent a change in the effective length of the mechanism provided that the first and second portions are constrained against relative rotation. When unlocked, the rotary element can rotate within its axial capture so that axial forces applied to the mechanism are effective to change its length.

Abstract: A carrier ring for achieving attachment to the thermoplastic perform as the preform is formed in a split injection mold is disclosed. The split injection mold defines a mold cavity into which a core pin is positionable. The mold cavity, along with the position core pin, defines the principle portion of the preform cavity. The remainder of the preform cavity is provided by an annular groove in the carrier ring. This annular groove has a substantially horizontal outwardly extending first wall, a substantially horizontal inwardly extending second wall downwardly displaced from the first wall, and a downwardly and inwardly extending third wall emanating from the outwardmost extent of the first wall and terminating at the inward most extent of the second wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for transferring blanks, plastic parisons or other articles to be molded in a sealed cavity. One embodiment includes mold sections which are closeable along a first axis to form a mold cavity and which are movable along a second axis from a first station where the mold sections may receive a moldable blank to a second station where the blank may be molded under pressure. Optional biasing means may be included to hold the mold sections sufficiently close together to hold the blank in the mold cavity as the mold sections move from the first station to the second station. A clamp, or other pressure applying means, exerts a final closing pressure on the mold sections at the second station for molding the blank under pressure. The clamp is stationary in relation to the first and second stations so that the mold sections can move relative to the clamp along the second axis.

Abstract: Blow molding apparatus for manufacturing containers, the apparatus having a blow station, a parison forming station to one side of the blow molding station, a container trim station at the other side of the blow molding station and a multiple station mold carrying slide for shuttle movement between a first position below the parison forming and blow molding stations and a second position below the blow molding and trim stations. The shuttling movement of the slide takes place between a pair of movable platens that are capable of opening and closing the molds. Improved structure in the apparatus insures that the blow heads will not separate from the molds during blowing, provides for trimming of the containers at the trim stations and for deposit of trimmed containers in upright positions on a conveyor.

Abstract: A roll clamp for handling of rolls or other loads carried by a lift truck. The clamp includes a rotator having a rear base plate for being mounted upon the lift mast of the truck, permitting it to be raised or lowered to a vertical position. A frame is gimballed to the rotator front plate. Extending forwardly from the clamp assembly is a pair of clamp arms which are swingably disposed, or pivot relative to the frame for closing and opening by movement toward and away from each other. The rotator rotates the frame relative to the mast about a clamp rotation axis. Hydraulic cylinders selectively open and close the arms, which have clamp pads at their distal ends for engaging the load surfaces. The rotator base plate carries a swash ring defining a plane skewed relative to the axis of clamp rotation.

Abstract: In a sofa bed mechanism which includes a foldable bed frame, a support member on which the bed frame is movably supported, a linkage assembly operable to govern movement of the bed frame and a control member for guiding movement of the mechanism into and out of a storage position in a supporting framework.

Abstract: A vehicle seat track assembly comprising a lower frame member secured to the vehicle floor, an upper frame member secured to the seat and slidably supported on the lower frame member for relative movement fore and aft of the vehicle and a seat position control member supported on the frame members for movement in transverse directions among three positions: a locked position, in which the seat position control member is secured to both of the frame members to prevent relative movement thereof, an indexing position, in which the seat position control member is locked to the upper frame member but movable relative to the lower frame member so that the seat can be adjusted to discrete positions according to the desire of the user, and a slide position, in which the seat position control member is locked to the lower frame member but not to the upper frame member so that the seat can be slid forwardly a specified distance to facilitate passenger access to the back seat and then rearwardly to the previously adjust

Abstract: A machine particularly useful for the blow molding of large thermoplastic articles such as cylindrical drums comprises a plurality of stations through which mold cavities are successively advanced. At a first station, containing a cart-mounted blow assembly an article is blow molded to substantially its final form in a cavity with the blow medium being introduced via a blow pin assembly operatively associated with the cavity after the blow assembly has been operatively engaged with the blow pin assembly. After the blowing operation has been completed, the blow assembly is operatively disengaged from the blow pin assembly and the cavity with the blown article is transported in a second station, the blow pin assembly traveling with the cavity. At the second station, an auxiliary blow assembly is operatively engaged with the blow pin assembly to circulate medium through the interior of the article.

Abstract: A sofa bed mechanism comprising a foldable bed frame having side and end rails and a back support slat extending between the side rails across the width of the bed frame at a position corresponding to the upper back area of a user in a sleeping position. The back support slat is bowed upwardly in its natural state and moves downwardly under load to yieldably resist the load and exert an outwardly directed force on the side rails. The slat has a top surface of substantial width so that it adds firmness to the bed without interfering with sleeper comfort. The invention further includes legs of semicircular cross section supporting the bed frame on the floor.