Abstract: An improved molding apparatus and method of use thereof that inhibits unsightly blemishes that may be formed in molded plastic parts in caused by confined crevices of the molding apparatus. A mold cavity is formed by at least two mold portions and one of said mold portions has a molten plastic flow diverter positioned adjacent the confined crevice. The charge of molten plastic is injected into said cavity such that a portion of the charge of plastic flows over the diverter and into the confined crevice of the mold cavity. The diverter creates a narrow restriction adjacent the crevice such that the mold cavity has a larger cross-sectional area on either side of the diverter.

Abstract: Methods for making fused film-plastic parts and parts made thereby are disclosed. The paint film covered parts include a show surface section with a paint film laminate overlying the plastic substrate of this section of the part to provide the desired aesthetic appeal. An attachment flange section of the part is provided and is usually hidden from sight when the part is assembled to the auto or truck body structure. The flange serves as a location at which clamps, bolts, rivets or the like can support or attach to the auto to truck structure. A raised portion, such as a boss section, is provided intermediate the show surface section and the attachment flange. This boss is adapted for contiguous or closed spaced positioning adjacent the auto or truck structural part. The boss is completely covered by the paint film with the paint film terminating along the attachment flange.

Abstract: Methods for making fused film-plastic parts and parts made thereby are disclosed. The paint film covered parts include a show surface section with a paint film laminate overlying the plastic substrate of this section of the part to provide the desired aesthetic appeal. An attachment flange section of the part is provided and is usually hidden from sight when the part is assembled to the auto or truck body structure. The flange serves as a location at which clamps, bolts, rivets or the like can support or attach to the auto to truck structure. A raised portion, such as a boss section, is provided intermediate the show surface section and the attachment flange. This boss is adapted for contiguous or closed spaced positioning adjacent the auto or truck structural part. The boss is completely covered by the paint film with the paint film terminating along the attachment flange.

Abstract: Methods for making fused film-plastic parts and parts made thereby are disclosed. The paint film covered parts include a show surface section with a paint film laminate overlying the plastic substrate of this section of the part to provide the desired aesthetic appeal. An attachment flange section of the part is provided and is usually hidden from sight when the part is assembled to the auto or truck body structure. The flange serves as a location at which clamps, bolts, rivets or the like can support or attach to the auto to truck structure. A raised portion, such as a boss section, is provided intermediate the show surface section and the attachment flange. This boss is adapted for contiguous or closed spaced positioning adjacent the auto or truck structural part. The boss is completely covered by the paint film with the paint film terminating along the attachment flange.

Abstract: Methods for making fused film-plastic parts and parts made thereby are disclosed. The paint film covered parts include a show surface section with a paint film laminate overlying the plastic substrate of this section of the part to provide the desired aesthetic appeal. An attachment flange section of the part is provided and is usually hidden from sight when the part is assembled to the auto or truck body structure. The flange serves as a location at which clamps, bolts, rivets or the like can support or attach to the auto to truck structure. A raised portion, such as a boss section, is provided intermediate the show surface section and the attachment flange. This boss is adapted for contiguous or closed spaced positioning adjacent the auto or truck structural part. The boss is completely covered by the paint film with the paint film terminating along the attachment flange.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laser trimming a shaped plastic workpiece use a laser beam positioned and directed by a robotic arm traveling along a pre-programmed path to trim the edges of a workpiece held against a positioning block. Preferably, the positioning block includes a laser beam capturing channel comprising suction holes for removing smoke generated by the ablation and burning of the plastic so as to minimize the risk of smoke damage to the workpiece and to remove soot and vapors from the work area. At the same time, laser beams are inhibited form reflecting back off the block onto the workpiece by positioning the channel under the workpiece and along the predetermined cutting path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laser trimming a shaped plastic workpiece use a laser beam positioned and directed by a robotic arm traveling along a pre-programmed path to trim the edges of a workpiece held against a positioning block. Preferably, the positioning block includes a laser beam capturing channel comprising suction holes for removing smoke generated by the ablation and burning of the plastic so as to minimize the risk of smoke damage to the workpiece and to remove soot and vapors from the work area. At the same time, laser beams are inhibited form reflecting back off the block onto the workpiece by positioning the channel under the workpiece and along the predetermined cutting path.

Abstract: A scoop like frame releasably mounts a trailing plastic bag to pick up snow from the earth and transport it. The back of the bag is provided with a drawstring closure mechanism to open the bag for snow deposition after transport. The frame has an associated forwardly extending handle mechanism to aid transport and allow change of frame position between the scooping mode and transporting mode.