Abstract: A base for supporting an object comprising a plurality of legs, a shaft concentrically located relative to the legs, an anchor attached to the shaft, and an attachment point for receiving an object. The anchor can be inserted into a substrate to maintain the stability of the base.

Abstract: A base for supporting an object comprising a plurality of legs, a shaft concentrically located relative to the legs, an anchor attached to the shaft, and an attachment point for receiving an object. The anchor can be inserted into a substrate to maintain the stability of the base.

Abstract: A vehicle body component is provided that includes a fiber reinforced cured material panel having an interior facing surface relative to a vehicle passenger compartment. The interior surface has a texture simulative of cloth without the actual application of a cloth layer to the interior facing surface. A texture simulative of a cloth layer is provided by fine protuberances extending from the interior facing surface to a height of between 35 and 1000 microns. A method of forming a vehicle roof panel is provided that includes laying a fiber reinforcement mat onto a first mold platen. The mold platen has a cavity shaped to form to the outside of the panel.

Abstract: A tailgate for a pickup truck includes three elongate, rectangular panels or louvers having an airfoil-shaped cross section pivotally mounted in a U-shaped tailgate frame conformed to be mounted on a pickup truck in place of the conventional tailgate. The louvers are linked to each other for coordinated pivotal movement about respective horizontal axes extending along the leading edge of the airfoil section between a closed position and an open position wherein the louvers project rearwardly from the frame to accommodate a substantially unrestricted flow of air through the tailgate. A reversible electric motor controlled from the cab drives the louvers in pivotal movement through a worm gear drive which will hold the louvers at any selected position. An airfoil section wing is mounted at the rearward end of the truck cab in spaced relationship to the cab roof and sidewalls to reduce turbulence in air flowing toward the tailgate.