Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting a workpiece or template from wood, plastic, or other media. The apparatus is a flexible cutting rail guide comprising a length of elastomer stock having a cross-section with at least one ninety-degree angle, the elastomer stock being securable to a workpiece or template media. Preferably, the elastomer stock is square in cross-section and has a durometer rating in the range of about 75 to 90. The method teaches the use of a flexible cutting rail guide, workpiece media, and a router to cut a workpiece, comprising the steps of a) defining the desired design shape on the template media; b) removably securing the flexible cutting rail guide to the template media; and, c) cutting the template media by guiding the router along the flexible cutting rail guide. The invention further provides a method for cutting two or more identically shaped workpieces using the pattern or template.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a hoist system for a vehicle is provided. The hoist system includes a support frame mounted to the vehicle. A slidably extendable pair of parallel rails are mounted to the support frame. The front ends and the tail ends of the parallel rails can be connected. A crossbeam that supports a hoist mechanism is slidably suspended from the pair of rails. The support frame can be collapsibly hinged for transport. The support frame is mounted to the vehicle, at a height above the cab of the vehicle or alternatively incorporated into the ladder rack of the vehicle. The hoist system is light-in-weight with a versatile support frame that can transfer heavy and swinging or shifting loads. The hoist system is also heavy-duty and has an extended and side-to-side reach.