Abstract: Apparatus for conforming laminate to a radius edge. The apparatus includes a heat bar assembly including a heat plate extending longitudinally along the radius edge. A mechanism is attached to the assembly for applying uniform pressure to the laminate longitudinally along the radius edge for uniform heating of the laminate. The mechanism may include a plurality of selectively controllable cylinders spaced longitudinally within the heat bar assembly for pre-stressing at least a portion of the heat plate relative to the heat bar assembly. Additionally, the heat bar assembly may further include a cooling plate, where the heat bar assembly is rotatable along its longitudinal axis between a cooling and a heating position.

Abstract: An end cap has a central coupling for securing it to one end of a core on which a length of flexible material is adapted to be wound. The end cap has a partial coupling formation along one edge so that it can be assembled edge-to-edge with one or more additional end caps of identical construction to form an enlarged end cap unit in which the partial coupling formations combine to form a second coupling for securing the enlarged end cap unit to one end of a core. A locking device is also provided for releasably locking the core to an end cap.

Abstract: A roll for fabric or like material includes a core on which the material is adapted to be wound, and an end cap removably secured to each end of the core. The core has a replaceable, flexible flap which extends approximately 90.degree. around the core permitting the leading edge of the fabric or like material to be inserted under the flap so that subsequent turns of the wound material will not show a permanent mark or crease when the second and subsequent turns wrap over the leading edge. The end caps have an undulating pattern along their perimeters which interfit with other end caps when two or more rolls are formed into a module. Modules are combined with top and bottom pallets and bound together for shipment. The cores and end caps are composed of separable parts so that after the material has been removed, these component parts can be separated and combined into a compact package for return to the original shipper.