Abstract: A holder for embossing items of irregular cross-section is utilized in an embossing machine which has a pair of opposed platens with embossing dies mounted thereon. The holder includes a support plate positioned between the platens and having a central opening formed therein for receiving the die mounted on a first one of the platens. A pair of support blocks extends from the support plate toward the second platen on opposite sides of the opening and supports an article to be embossed over the opening. A plurality of guide posts extend from the first platen through apertures formed in the support plate and helical biasing springs encircle the guide posts to space the support plate and the article from the first die. As the second platen is moved toward the first platen, the second die engages the article and moves the article and the support plate against the biasing means to engage the article with the first die. Thus, equal pressure is applied to the article by the first and second dies.

Abstract: A conduit system for supporting and clamping a bank of conduits of different diameters in a substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship which requires a minimum number of parts and which can be assembled simply and rapidly. The basic structure is comprised of a plurality of vertically and horizontally interlocking modular units, each consisting of a frame member having at least one side thereof including an arcuate surface corresponding to the outside diameter of a first conduit. The conduit is supported on the arcuate surface of one frame member and clamped thereon by a second, superimposed, interlocking frame member. A unitary generally U-shaped adapter is employed to support a smaller diameter conduit within the system. One end of the adapter includes a snap-on clip to facilitate attachment to an arcuate surface of a frame member and the opposite end comprises a pair of opposed resilient arms for receiving and holding the smaller conduit in a fixed relationship to the arcuate surface.

Abstract: An injection molded end cap for attachment to the terminal end of an extrusion. The end cap includes a projecting skirt which cooperates with a complimentary upper surface of the extrusion for producing a gentle transition and covering a junction therebetween. The abutting ends between end cap and terminal end of the extrusion may be secured to each other by heat sealing, adhesives, and the like.

Abstract: A method and system for tensioning and applying a foam core tape having pressure sensitive adhesive faces to a body side molding. The method is effected to obtain the necessary stretch in the foam core tape to coordinate with any dimensional changes which may occur in the body side moldings to which it is bonded. The system includes a tensioning roll disposed between a supply roll and the point of application of the tape to the body side molding. The peripheral surface of the tensioning roll frictionally engages the foam tape and the rotation of the tensioning roll is controlled by suitable braking mechanism to effect a desired stretch in the tape prior to its application to the body molding.

Abstract: A system for anchoring the conduit spacers of a utility duct bank in a fixed position within a trench during encasement or burial of the duct bank. The conduit spacers comprise components having mating bosses by means of which they can be horizontally and vertically interlocked. A holder interfits with the horizontal or side attachment bosses and includes a vertical guide opening for receiving a length of steel reinforcing bar or other elongated member. The length of reinforcing bar is inserted through at least one, and preferably two or more aligned and driven into the earth forming the floor of the trench, and the top portion of the bar is secured as by being bent over the upper holder to prevent the duct bank from shifting or floating upwardly as when concrete is poured around it. The shape of the holders is such that a tapered notch is created between the conduit spacer and holder fitted thereto for receiving a horizontally extending reinforcing rod to provide added strength to the duct bank.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus and process for producing an improved extruded plastic material product which consists of an inner foamed thermoplastic cellular core and an outer non-porous thermoplastic skin extending along at least one side of the core. In the process, a foamable thermoplastic material is extruded through a first die outlet to produce a foamed thermoplastic material. After exiting the die outlet, a film of non-porous thermoplastic material is applied along at least one side of extruded foamed material. Next, the extruded foamed material and the non-porous film is fed through a forming die which shapes and seals the materials into the desired cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective and decorative trim strip structure for attachment to a vehicle body. The trim strip structure includes an elongate molding having an elongate, double-faced adhesive tape strip extending substantially the entire length of the molding. One face of the tape strip is secured to the molding, while the opposite face has a detachable backing strip applied thereto. At least one stud member is secured to the molding and includes one end provided with a first tapered threaded section extending through the backing strip and the tape and into the molding, and an opposite end extending outwardly from the molding and adapted to receive a suitable fastening device.

Abstract: Securing a decorative and protective trim strip or molding along an exposed edge of an automotive vehicle body as, for example, an outline molding around a wheel well opening. A resilient strip having the desired decorative configuration and appearance is adhesively secured along the edge of the sheet material of the body, and spring clips having a cross sectional configuration complementary to that of the resilient strip are placed over the strip and flange of the sheet material in areas where excessive stress may occur, such as at least at the ends of the strip. The clips insure that the adhesive layer of the strip will remain in engagement with the vehicle without the necessity of fasteners piercing the sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security cover for an automobile storage compartment. The security cover includes a pair of longitudinally extending track members disposed along opposite sides and between opposite ends of the compartment to be covered. An elongated roller member extends between the track members. Means associated with the ends of the roller member effect a sliding engagement with a respective one of the track members. Flexible sheet material of generally rectangular outline is provided, such sheet material having a width substantially coextensive with the width of the compartment to be covered. Means are provided for connecting the sheet material to the roller member intermediate the opposite ends of the sheet material. A spring means causes rotation of the roller member to effect a rolling of the sheet material concentrically about the roller member. Means are provided for selectively maintaining the opposite ends of the sheet material near the opposite ends of the compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for directing and regulating the flow of fluid from a conduit system. The apparatus includes a tubular housing for encasing a deflector body, the deflector body containing a cartridge having a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel, movable vanes. Each element of the assembly is integrally molded from a plastic material. The vanes of the cartridge are interconnected by a pair of diagonally disposed tie-bars which permit the vanes to move in unison relative thereto, and a detent system including the tie-bars for counteracting the memory of the integral connection between the tie-bars and the vanes thus holding the vanes in desired positions relative to the deflector body.

Abstract: A device for applying a decorative preglued banding material to the edges of a panel including, in suitably mounted operative relationship, a holder for dispensing the banding material from a continuous reel, an air heater with flow control means for directing heated air against the hot melt adhesive on the banding material, a shoe and rotatable star wheels for guiding the band through the heating zone, an adjustable spindle by means of which an appropriate band can be centered upon and pressed against panel edges of different widths, and marking and severing means for terminating the band at a preselected point along the panel edge.

Abstract: A corner construction providing for planar deflection of a molding strip along its longitudinal axis. A V-shaped segment is removed along one side edge of the strip while a continuous band remains along the other edge. Portions are removed between the V-shaped segment and the continuous band whereby the strip can be deflected to permit a change in direction upon application to a mounting surface. The dimensions of the V-shaped segment and intermediate portions are selected to provide the strip with an uninterrupted corner of pleasing appearance having the desired angle of deflection.