Abstract: A septic tank formed of a blow molded body having an interior and an exterior. The septic tank body is formed from one or more layers of plastic material that are chosen for their chemical, mechanical or other properties. The septic tank body includes a plurality of integral ribs to provide circumferential structurally rigidity and also includes compression molded flange portions to provide axial structural rigidity. Additionally, septic tank covers and riser systems are provided.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed extender for a vehicle of the present invention includes a pair of sidewalls spaced from one another and a center wall extending therebetween. At least one lock assembly is disposed upon one of the sidewalls of the bed extender and includes a locking pin that operable to be selectively extended and retracted to engage with and disengage from the vehicle sidewall respectively. The lock assembly further includes a handle and a lever arm, which cooperate to facilitate the extension and retraction of the locking pin such that said extension of the locking pin locks the bed extender to the vehicle sidewall in the stowed and deployed positions to prevent any uncommanded movement of the extender. The locking assembly further operative to hold the locking pin in the extended and retracted positions respectively until selectively moved between positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a thermoplastic resin article comprising a foamed thermoplastic resin sheet shaped in a predetermined shape and a functional member of thermoplastic resin which stands locally on and is fused with the foamed sheet. In the method, a mold having a molding surface with a recess for forming a functional member therein is used. A foamed thermoplastic resin sheet is stuck on the molding surface by suction so that the recess is sealed with the foamed sheet. Then, molten thermoplastic resin is fed into the recess. Thus, the molten thermoplastic resin is fused with the foamed sheet to form a thermoplastic resin article.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for producing a thermoplastic resin article composed of a foamed thermoplastic resin sheet shaped in a predetermined shape and a functional member of thermoplastic resin which stands locally on and is fused with the foamed sheet. In the methods, a mold having a molding surface with a recess for forming a functional member therein is used in combination with a counter mold. A foamed thermoplastic resin sheet is stuck on the molding surface by suction or supply of compressed air so that the recess is sealed with the foamed sheet. Then, molten thermoplastic resin is fed into the recess. Thus, the molten thermoplastic resin is fused with the foamed sheet to form a thermoplastic resin article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic resin foamed sheet wherein pillar-shaped resin portions observed in a cross section in the thickness direction of the sheet satisfy requirement (1): the number density of pillar-shaped resin portions intersecting the thickness centerline of the foamed sheet is from 1 to 20 pillars/mm-centerline and requirement(2): the average thickness of pillar-shaped resin portions intersecting the thickness centerline of the foamed sheet is from 10 to 500 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a thermoplastic resin foamed article using an apparatus including a pair of molds each having a molding surface through which vacuum sucking can be conducted, the method comprising a step of, while holding a foamed sheet between the molds, vacuum sucking through the molding surfaces of the molds to shape the thermoplastic resin foamed sheet, wherein the foamed sheet to be subjected to vacuum forming having a first foamed layer having an expansion ratio Xa of from 2 to 20, a thickness Ta of from 2 to 20 mm and a basis weight Ra of from 600 to 3000 g/m2 and a second foamed layer having an expansion ratio Xb of from 4 to 40, a thickness Tb of from 2 to 12 mm and a basis weight Rb of from 100 to 600 g/m2 wherein Ra/Rb is from 2 to 30.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for producing thermoplastic resin foamed articles having a high expansion ratio and a large thickness by vacuum forming using a pair of molds through which vacuum sucking can be conducted and holding means for holding a thermoplastic resin foamed sheet at a predetermined position between the molds or a molding apparatus comprising a first mold having a molding surface through which vacuum sucking can be conducted, a second mold having a molding surface provided with sheet fixing means on at least the peripheral portion of the molding surface, and holding means for holding a thermoplastic resin foamed sheet at a predetermined position between the molds. In the methods, a heated and softened foamed sheet is supplied between the molds and vacuum sucking is started when the molds have been closed appropriately. Thus, the foamed sheet is vacuum formed to afford a molded article.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed extender adapted to be used in conjunction with a vehicle having a cargo bed. The present invention includes a pair of sidewalls spaced from one another, a center wall extending between the pair of sidewalls, the pair of sidewalls and the center wall cooperating to define a bed extender having an open end. Each of the pair of sidewalls of the bed extender include a pivot assembly disposed between the sidewall of the bed extender and a sidewall of the cargo bed and including a pivot axis defined by a post, and a slot adapted to slidingly accept the post. The post and the slot cooperate to facilitate both pivotal movement of the bed extender and rectilinear longitudinal movement of the bed extender relative to the cargo bed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A console system for the interior of a motor vehicle includes a console component, a plate, and a lid. The console component defines a housing having an interior with an opening and a longitudinal axis. The plate has first and second ends and is supported on the console component and pivotably movable at the first end of the plate relative to the console component between a first position, wherein the plate covers the opening of the console component, and a second position, wherein the plate is spaced from the opening to allow access to the interior of the console component. The lid has a cover and an inner surface and is supported by the plate and pivotably movable at the second end of the plate between a first position, wherein the inner surface of the lid is juxtaposed the plate, and a second position, wherein the inner surface is spaced from the plate such that the inner surface and the plate define a co-extensive, substantially planar surface along the longitudinal axis of the console component.

Abstract: The method involves making a hollow blow molded thermoplastic article having an integral handle. An unblown preform of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is inserted into a blow mold and thereafter stretched by a stretch rod. Blow gas is then injected into the interior of the preform when the blow mold is closed and the preform is at a stretch temperature. After the preform is blown into the shape of the bottle in the mold, blow gas is discharged from the stretch rod onto an interior wall surface where the handle is to be formed. Movable mold segments are then advanced within the blow mold from a first retracted position to a second position thereby compressing an interior wall surface of the article into contact with a facing interior wall surface of the bottle to bond the surfaces at an elevated temperature and form an integral handle extending from the exterior wall of the blow molded article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin composition for forming sheets for ink printing comprising from 30 to 90% by weight of an ink-absorbent resin (A) and from 70 to 10% by weight of an ink-unabsorbent resin (B) When ink is printed on a sheet for prepared from the resin composition, a high-quality printed material can be obtained while effectively preventing the ink from blotting and the sheet from cockling.

Abstract: A traffic barricade includes a base which supports an upright member. The base includes two removably interlocking sections, each having an enlarged portion. The enlarged portions defines a socket for closely receiving a tab extending from the upright member. A deformably resilient material surrounds the socket, permitting the upright member to deflect slightly and return to a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the base. The upright member incorporates integral structural supports which permit the barricade upright member to maintain an upright member orientation without additional external support mechanisms.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo area extender including a pair of sidewalls, a center wall extending between the pair of sidewalls and a lid removably disposed relative to the pair of sidewalls and the center wall. The sidewalls, the center wall and the lid cooperate to define an enclosure having an open end. The vehicle cargo area extender is moveably mounted between a stored position relative to a vehicle cargo area wherein the open end of the enclosure is adjacent to the rear wall of the vehicle cargo area and a deployed position so as to be supported by the rear wall of the vehicle cargo area when it is in its extended position such that the open end of the enclosure faces the vehicle cargo area thereby increasing the effective size of the vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo area extender including a pair of sidewalls, a center wall extending between the pair of sidewalls and a lid removeably disposed relative to the pair of sidewalls and the center wall. The sidewalls, the center wall and the lid cooperate to define an enclosure having an open end. At least one of the side and center walls defines a mating surface extending along at least a portion of the upper margin thereof. In addition, the lid defines a corresponding mating surface that is adapted to cooperate with the mating surface defined on at least one of the side and center walls to removeably retain the lid relative to side and center walls.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo box system is provided including a first brace member affixed to a surface of a wall of the vehicle, a first panel rotatably fastened to one edge of the brace member, and a second panel rotatably fastened to one edge of the first panel so as to enable the first and second panels to be deployed by rotating the respective panels in the appropriate direction. In this manner, a secure box-shaped enclosure is formed adjacent the cab portion of the vehicle and provides for storing tools and implements therein. When the cargo box is not required to be deployed, the respective panels are rotated in the appropriate opposite direction and are secured against the first brace member so as to increase the available cargo area on the bed surface of the vehicle. An optional second brace member is provided for engagement to the second panel to prevent unintended rotation of the second panel.

Abstract: A bumper system 10 for an automotive vehicle is provided. The bumper system includes a composite valance 12 adapted for attachment to a chassis of the automotive vehicle, where the composite valance includes a reinforcement section 18 formed therein. Preferably, the reinforcement section is formed longitudinally along a central portion of the composite valance, is recessed with respect to a front surface 22 of the composite valance, and includes a plurality of structural ribs 24 provided therein. A cover beam 28, preferably constructed from a metallic material, is adapted for attachment to the composite valance. The cover beam is sized to substantially cover the reinforcement section when attached to the composite valance, and give the bumper system an overall metallic appearance.

Abstract: The method involves making a hollow blow molded thermoplastic article having an integral handle. An unblown preform of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is inserted into a blow mold and thereafter stretched by a stretch rod. Blow gas is then injected into the interior of the preform when the blow mold is closed and the preform is at a stretch temperature. After the preform is blown into the shape of the bottle in the mold, blow gas is discharged from the stretch rod onto an interior wall surface where the handle is to be formed. Movable mold segments are then advanced within the blow mold from a first retracted position to a second position thereby compressing an interior wall surface of the article into contact with a facing interior wall surface of the bottle to bond the surfaces at an elevated temperature and form an integral handle extending from the exterior wall of the blow molded article.

Abstract: A traffic barricade includes a base which supports an upright member. The base includes two removably interlocking sections, each having an enlarged portion. The enlarged portions defines a socket for closely receiving a tab extending from the upright member. A deformably resilient material surrounds the socket, permitting the upright member to deflect slightly and return to a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the base. The upright member incorporates integral structural supports which permit the barricade upright member to maintain an upright member orientation without additional external support mechanisms.

Abstract: A front end assembly (10) is provided for attaching components to a front end (16) of an automobile chassis (18) which eliminates the duplication of structure between a conventional grille opening reinforcement and grille, and incorporates several front end components into an integrated structure. The front end assembly (10) includes a stabilizer bar (12) adapted for attachment to the chassis front end (16), and a grille system (14) adapted for attachment to the chassis front end (16) and the stabilizer bar (12). Preferably, the area occupied by the stabilizer bar (12) on the chassis front end (16) is substantially less than the area occupied by the grille system (14), such that structure is not duplicated between the stabilizer bar (12) and the grille system (14). The grille system (14) has a grille (20) mounted therein, lamp canisters (22) defined on either end (24) thereof, and lamps (26, 28) mounted within the lamp canisters (22).

Abstract: A method for producing a tubular container of plastic material, in which the plastic material is supplied to an injection mould (3) which forms therein a blank (1) including a blank body (15) with a tubular portion (16). The tubular portion is open at one end (11) and has, in its other end (10), an emptying aperture or mouth (12) of the future container with a closure device thereat. The tubular portion (16) is displaced or drawn through an annular gap (4) for reduction of the wall thickness and axial extension thereof. After extension, the tubular portion is cut to the desired length. The thickness of the drawn material is between 0.1 and 0.15 mm. The closure device is confined within an outline formed by the drawn wall of the tubular portion.