Abstract: An apparatus and process for reducing variations in the profile of a sheet metal stock are shown and described. The process includes the use of two passes, each comprising two smoothing surfaces. The smoothing surfaces of each pass are mateable to define a profile between the smoothing surfaces. The profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the first pass is substantially the inverse of the profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the second pass. As a sheet metal is processed between the first and second passes, it is formed with the first profile and the second profile thereby reducing variations in the profile of the sheet metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for reducing variations in the profile of a sheet metal stock are shown and described. The process includes the use of two passes, each comprising two smoothing surfaces. The smoothing surfaces of each pass are mateable to define a profile between the smoothing surfaces. The profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the first pass is substantially the inverse of the profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the second pass. As a sheet metal is processed between the first and second passes, it is formed with the first profile and the second profile thereby reducing variations in the profile of the sheet metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for reducing variations in the profile of a sheet metal stock are shown and described. The process includes the use of two passes, each comprising two smoothing surfaces. The smoothing surfaces of each pass are mateable to define a profile between the smoothing surfaces. The profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the first pass is substantially the inverse of the profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the second pass. As a sheet metal is processed between the first and second passes, it is formed with the first profile and the second profile thereby reducing variations in the profile of the sheet metal.

Abstract: Raw sheet metal substrate (36) passing through an extrusion die (54) is partially laminated with a thin film of plastic (40). A boundary line (42) is formed between the laminated and unlaminated portions of the substrate (36). The sheet metal substrate (36) is folded upon itself so that the plastic laminate (40) bears in pressing relation against the unlaminated portion of the substrate (36) to create a fold (44) sealed against lateral moisture penetration. The unlaminated portion of the substrate (36) may be chrome plated (50). The extrusion die (54) includes an adjustable die member (64) and an adjustable wear plate (78). Alternatively, the extrusion die (54) may include an adjustable extrusion orifice (62) for varying the thickness of the plastic extruded onto the sheet metal substrate (36). Two sheet metal substrates (36') are moved through the extrusion die (54') simultaneously and in back-to-back relation to neutralize reaction forces from the respective emissions of pressurized plastic.

Abstract: A storage system for motor vehicle roof inserts has two matched body portions which are mounted in a motor vehicle. Each body portion includes a pair of channels which are shaped to conform to the shape of the roof inserts. The storage bodies are spaced a distance which corresponds to the length of the roof inserts such that the edge portions of the inserts can be inserted into the channels where they are supported spanning the space between the storage bodies. Resilient opposed rollers in association with each channel guide and support the roof inserts in the channels. The storage bodies may include pin-receiving bores positioned to receive retractable roof insert posts to secure the roof inserts in position in the storage system. The storage bodies may be conveniently formed by an injection molding process using ABS plastic.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a unique lighting structure for use on vehicles, in which concealable lights are incorporated into a luggage rack on the roof of a vehicle. The lights rotate between concealed and use positions. In the concealed position a portion of the light housing is aligned with a portion of the luggage rack housing such that the luggage rack may be used normally. In the use position, a bulb faces longitudinally forwardly of the vehicle, and is positioned vertically above the remainder of the luggage rack such that a light is directed from the roof of the vehicle.