Abstract: A molded seat assembly comprises an insert having an upper and a lower surface, a peripheral edge, and a ridge disposed adjacent to the peripheral edge. A seat portion comprised of a plastic material is molded directly to the insert whereby the plastic material contacts the peripheral edge, the ridge, the upper surface melts or softens the peripheral edge, the ridge and the upper surface forming both a cohesive bond and a locking engagement between the seat portion and the insert.

Abstract: A molded seat assembly comprises an insert having an upper and a lower surface, a peripheral edge, and a ridge disposed adjacent to the peripheral edge. A seat portion comprised of a plastic material is molded directly to the insert whereby the plastic material contacts the peripheral edge, the ridge, the upper surface melts or softens the peripheral edge, the ridge and the upper surface forming both a cohesive bond and a locking engagement between the seat portion and the insert.

Abstract: A boat seat assembly having a seating platform including first and second seat bottoms and first and second seat backs, a seat mechanism for moving the seating platform between the flat position and the seating position, a base supporting the mechanism, and a positioning system for maintaining the seating platform in the seating position and for allowing the seat platform to move to the flat position. The seat mechanism includes a track and first and second sliders supported by the track for rectilinear movement for moving the seating platform between the seating position and the flat position. The positioning system includes a locking device for locking the first slider in various rectilinear positions relative to the track.

Abstract: A hinge includes a first member, a second member, and a pivot housing. The pivot housing includes an inner housing and an outer housing. The inner housing is fixedly coupled to the first member. The outer housing is fixedly coupled to the second member. The hinge distributes forces acting upon the hinge between the inner and outer housings.

Abstract: A molded seat assembly comprises an insert having an upper and a lower surface, a peripheral edge, and a ridge disposed adjacent to the peripheral edge. A seat portion comprised of a plastic material is molded directly to the insert whereby the plastic material contacts the peripheral edge, the ridge, the upper surface melts or softens the peripheral edge, the ridge and the upper surface forming both a cohesive bond and a locking engagement between the seat portion and the insert.

Abstract: A method of making a container assembly comprises the step of molding a container body over a portion of a plastic fixture. A plastic fixture is disposed in the mold. The mold has an inner surface defining an outer surface of a container. The fixture includes an opening and a portion having at least one ridge on a surface which is to be embedded in the body of the container. The fluid plastic material is disposed in the mold. The plastic material is then molded over the mold inner surface and the fixture surface thereby forming the container body. The plastic material contacts the ridge and melts or softens the ridge. The ridge is then deformed forming a locking engagement between the container body and the fixture. As the plastic material cools and hardens, the plastic container body partially engulfs the fixture to provide a secure seal between the fixture and container body.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container body formed of a thermoplastic material having an inner surface, an outer surface, and at least one corner having a reinforcement molded to the outer surface of the corner. The reinforcement has a peripheral edge, which is partially embedded in the outer surface of the container body. A method of making a container assembly comprises the step of molding a container body over a portion of a reinforcement. A reinforcement having a peripheral edge is disposed in a mold. A fluid thermoplastic material is disposed into the mold. The thermoplastic material is then molded over the inner surface of the mold and the peripheral edge of the reinforcement thereby forming the container body. The thermoplastic material contacts the peripheral edge and melts or softens the edge. A peripheral edge is then brought into engagement with the container body to provide a secure seal between the reinforcement and the container body.

Abstract: A hinge includes a first member, a second member, and a pivot housing. The pivot housing includes an inner housing and an outer housing. The inner housing is fixedly coupled to the first member. The outer housing is fixedly coupled to the second member. The hinge distributes forces acting upon the hinge between the inner and outer housings.

Abstract: A molded seat assembly comprises an insert having an upper and a lower surface, a peripheral edge, and a ridge disposed adjacent to the peripheral edge. A seat portion comprised of a plastic material is molded directly to the insert whereby the ridge is adapted to prevent the flow of the plastic material beyond the ridge. The plastic material contacts the ridge and melts or softens the ridge. The ridge is then deformed forming both a cohesive bond and a locking engagement between the seat portion and the insert.

Abstract: A molded seat assembly comprises an insert having an upper and a lower surface, a peripheral edge, and a ridge disposed adjacent to the peripheral edge. A seat portion comprised of a plastic material is molded directly to the insert whereby the plastic material contacts the peripheral edge, the ridge, the upper surface melts or softens the peripheral edge, the ridge and the upper surface forming both a cohesive bond and a locking engagement between the seat portion and the insert.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container body formed of a thermoplastic material having an inner surface, an outer surface, and at least one corner having a reinforcement molded to the outer surface of the corner. The reinforcement has a peripheral edge, which is partially embedded in the outer surface of the container body. A method of making a container assembly comprises the step of molding a container body over a portion of a reinforcement. A reinforcement having a peripheral edge is disposed in a mold. A fluid thermoplastic material is disposed into the mold. The thermoplastic material is then molded over the inner surface of the mold and the peripheral edge of the reinforcement thereby forming the container body. The thermoplastic material contacts the peripheral edge and melts or softens the edge. A peripheral edge is then brought into engagement with the container body to provide a secure seal between the reinforcement and the container body.

Abstract: A method of making a container assembly comprises the step of molding a container body over a portion of a plastic fixture. A plastic fixture is disposed in the mold. The mold has an inner surface defining an outer surface of a container. The fixture includes an opening and a portion having at least one ridge on a surface which is to be embedded in the body of the container. The fluid plastic material is disposed in the mold. The plastic material is then molded over the mold inner surface and the fixture surface thereby forming the container body. The plastic material contacts the ridge and melts or softens the ridge. The ridge is then deformed forming a locking engagement between the container body and the fixture. As the plastic material cools and hardens, the plastic container body partially engulfs the fixture to provide a secure seal between the fixture and container body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an expandable seat and storage unit particularly adapted for use in a boat. The expandable seat has a base unit which defines a storage area. A frame is slidably mounted within the base and can slide with respect to the base to expand the length of the seat to form a bed. The frame is locked into the base by the back cushion of the seat. By removing the back cushion, the frame section can be slid out of the base and then the back cushion can be used along with the seat cushion to form a bed. The frame has side members which extend generally perpendicular from the side edges of the front face of the frame and ride in tracks formed in the base unit. The tracks are along the sides of the base unit and do not interfere with the storage area. Further, the tracks are formed integrally in the base unit to facilitate easy inexpensive manufacture and operation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved vertically adjustable seat. The seat includes a guide post upon which an adjustable post is telescopically mounted. A spacer or engagement member is mounted between the guide post and the adjustable post to distribute forces applied to the seat over a broad area longitudinally extending between the adjustable post and the guide post. Additionally, the spacer member also provides frictional contact between the adjustable post and the guide post when the adjustable post is locked with respect to the guide post. In order to provide additional friction, a secondary engagement member is provided between the adjustable post and the guide post. This secondary engagement member provides greater friction at the point of locking to facilitate easy locking of the seat at a desired height.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved pedestal mounting assembly and in particular a pedestal mounting assembly that has a removable post. The post and base are locked together by opposed mounting teeth located respectively on the post and base. The post is inserted into the base, rotated through about 90.degree. until the teeth engage locking the post to the base. To remove the post from the base, the post must be raised to disengage the teeth and permit rotation of the post with respect to the base. To facilitate mounting and release, a key and slot with stops are provided to control rotation and axial movement.