Abstract: An assembly has a base of elastomeric material and a frame for an emblem or ornament. A fastener portion of the frame fits with a stem portion of the base in fixed relation. The base is secured to a surface, such as a vehicle hood, by an adhesive, with no elements through the attachment surface being required. The base is elastic to yield to anticipated forces, such as due to wind, automatic car washes, and manual pulls or pushes, and to return to its intended position, without disturbing the adhesive bond. Base designs include having a stem at an angle to a normal to the base bottom or mounting surface; the amount of such angle being determined to make the emblem be presented in an upright or moderately canted back, position when the assembly is installed on any of a number of vehicles having a range of hood slopes; so that substantially all vehicles and hood slopes in use can be fitted with one of only a small number of base configurations.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for assembling motor vehicle beltstrips or weatherstrips comprises the steps of providing a weatherstrip preform, passing such preform through a conforming die, applying a hot melt adhesive to a portion of such weatherstrip preform in such die, passing such preform and adhesive into an additional die where a thermoplastic feature is applied to said preform and secured by said hot melt adhesive. Hot melt adhesive may be applied to an additional region of said weatherstrip preform and a trim preform may then also be secured to the weatherstrip preform. The invention also includes the weatherstrip or beltstrip roduct.

Abstract: An object, which can be used as an advertising item, promotional item, toy, or decorative figure, is segmented into at least two portions which are mounted in an aligned fashion on opposing sides of a surface so that the object appears to be extending through the surface. The object is provided in the shape of a commercial product to be advertised, or in the shape of a creature, such as animal or insect, or in the shape of holiday character, such as Santa Clause or a Halloween bat. The object is attached to the surface using suction cups which are mounted within the hollow interior of the object, so that when the object is mounted to the surface in an aligned fashion, the suction cups are not seen by viewer. The individual portions of the segmented object can be also be attached directly to each other to form a complete toy which can be played with in a traditional manner.

Abstract: An elongate composite member suitable for a vehicle ornamental member comprises an elongate shaped body having a common cross-section part with a longitudinally constant cross-sectional shape, and a varying cross-section part with a longitudinally varying cross-sectional shape. A resin part is formed by extrusion molding along the varying cross-section part to continuously extend in the longitudinal direction, thereby realizing an excellent overall appearance. Such elongate composite members can be readily and continuously manufactured basically with an extrusion molding process, wherein the elongate shaped body is continuously and longitudinally fed into an extrusion die assembly comprising a stationary die and the movable die, through which the common cross-section part and the varying cross-section part are respectively passed in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A reflective laminated strip includes an aluminum alloy or steel strip having a cleaned and conversion coated outer surface, an adhesive layer adjacent the conversion coated outer surface, and a polymer layer joined to the adhesive layer. An exterior side of the polymer layer is coated with a reflective metal layer that is preferably stainless steel, chromium, nickel or aluminum having a thickness of less than about 5000 .ANG.. In a preferred embodiment, an interior side of the polymer layer is coated with an adhesion-promoting metal layer or metal oxide layer having a thickness of about 50-5000 .ANG..

Abstract: A finishing trim for a rocker panel flange is manufactured from an elongated strip of material having a plurality of openings therein so as to enable it to be secured to the rocker panel flanges of a vehicle to provide both a decorative and protective covering thereto. The finishing trim may also include lights connected thereto, or incorporated therein.

Abstract: An injection molded colored article produced from colored material prepared by blending a coloring pigment with a synthetic resin. The article has the shape of a long main body section and a thin plate section integrally molded along a side edge of the main body section. A back surface of the main body has a curve formed from an inner end thereof. The thin plate section is formed into a tapered shape, having its thickness decreased toward its outer edge. An inclined angle .theta. defined between a upper surface and a back surface of said thin plate section, a ratio of distance A between an inner edge of said upper surface and an outer edge of said thin plate section to a distance B between said inner end of said back surface of said thin plate section and said outer edge, A/B, and a thickness C of said main body section are selected to fall within the following ranges;5.ltoreq..theta..ltoreq.45.degree.;0.3.ltoreq.A/B.ltoreq.1; and1.5.ltoreq.C.ltoreq.10 mm.

Abstract: An ornament for an antenna comprising a flexible, generally planar body having first and second surfaces and a plurality of apertures, the apertures extending along a line and dimensioned to receive the antenna therethrough, the planar body sufficiently flexible and resilient to bend between a flat state and a bent state, wherein when the ornament is in the bent state the antenna can easily pass through the apertures and when the ornament is released from the bent state the ornament tends to revert to the flat state, thereby being securely mounted to the antenna.

Abstract: Polyolefin and polyphenyloxide products such as products made using expanded polystyrene (EPS) or expanded polypropylene (EPP). A "foil" or "skin" of vinyl or other suitable decorative material is associated with the product to achieve a pleasing appearance and an otherwise satisfactory exterior surface. To make the product, the skin is positioned over the cavity of a female mold part. The mold is closed and, with or without vacuum assistance, the skin is brought into contact with the female mold surfaces during introduction of the plastic. This plastic is introduced in the form of small beads selected from the group consisting of polyolefin and polyphenyloxide beads which have been pre-expanded to a density reduction in the order of 75%. Air pressure is used to feed the beads into the mold cavity and steam is injected to soften the beads and to cause bonding thereof into an integral mass. In addition, the outer layer of beads is bonded to the foil whereby a one-piece part is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A lustrous, high elongation fluoropolymer laminate film structure comprising a top layer of weatherable fluoropolymer film containing a nacreous pigment and an underlying polymer layer containing solid color pigment. The laminate construction maintains its uniform appearance when stretched allowing the film to be used in molding or thermoforming applications or similar processing applications.

Abstract: A non-corrosive metal on aluminum or aluminum alloy lamination is disclosed including a non-corrosive metal top sheet, an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate, and an adhesive bonding the non-corrosive metal top sheet to the aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate to provide a non-corrosive metal on aluminum or aluminum alloy lamination product having lighter weight and less cost than a sheet product of the non-corrosive metal of identical thickness, wherein the lamination product withstands galvanic corrosion between the non-corrosive metal top sheet and the aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate. In one aspect, the non-corrosive metal top sheet is stainless steel. In one aspect, the non-corrosive metal top sheet is nickel or nickel alloy.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented film which is made substantially of (1) a polyethylene naphthalate copolymer comprising an ethylene naphthalate unit in an amount of 92 to 99.5 mol % based on all recurring units and at least one copolymer component selected from the group consisting of (a) a glycol having a fluorene skeleton in the molecule, (b) p-hydroxymethylbenzoic acid, (c) p-hydroxyethoxybenzoic acid and (d) p-hydroxyethoxyethoxybenzoic acid in an amount of 0.5 to 8 mol % based on the total of all dicarboxylic acid components, and which has (2) Young's moduli in both longitudinal and transverse directions of 500 kg/mm.sup.2 or more and (3) a delamination resistance of 10% or less in terms of fold line whitening ratio. Since this biaxially oriented film of the present invention is excellent in delamination resistance, curling resistance, mechanical strength, color and transparency, it is of great value as a base film for a photo film.

Abstract: A resin mold product and a wiring method are provided. This resin mold product includes a main body formed into a pillar trim, side walls which are situated higher than wires, and wire receiving portions formed between the side walls. According to the wiring method: the wires, which have been cut to a suitable length for the front pillar, are received by the wire receiving portions; the side walls are partially melted so as to weld and secure the wires to the resin mold product; the resin mold product is mounted to the front pillar; and circuits mounted on the instrument panel and the roof are connected to each other. With such resin mold product and wiring method, wires of various kinds can be easily welded and secured, and workability can be enhanced by introducing the automation of wiring.

Abstract: An air bag pad in which an ornament is disposed on a front surface of a synthetic resin pad body covers a folded air bag. The ornament is shaped like a sheet having a bonding layer provided in its rear surface so as to be capable of being bonded to the pad body easily. The ornament is used as an insert so that the pad body is insert-molded. The bonding layer is bonded to the pad body when the pad body is molded.

Abstract: A trim strip has a bar of an at least partially transparent plastic having parallel inner and outer faces, an opaque decor layer laminated to the inner face, and a layer of adhesive on the opaque decor layer. The trim strip is adhered to a board edge with the decor layer against the board edge and the outer face directed away therefrom, and edges of the trim strip at the outer face are machined with removal of material so that the decor layer is left exposed through the bar at the machined edges.

Abstract: A decoration article for use on automobiles is made up of a decoration top cap, a round disc and a double-sided adhesive piece. The round disc conforming identically to the structure of the double-sided adhesive piece has a central engaging protrusion for the passage of a screw and a square hole adjacent the central protrusion for water to be discharged therethrough when mounted to a water discharge spout of a windshield system. The decoration top cap is provided with a recess on the peripheral wall thereof so as to permit water to be discharged via the recess. The double-sided adhesive piece enables the decoration piece to be attached to the engine hood or trunk lid of a vehicle and the screw or bolt permits the decoration article to be firmly fixed to an outer lid of a wheel for ornament purpose.

Abstract: An improved material for forming vehicle trim panels includes natural fibers formed reinforcing mats. The natural fibers replaced the prior known use of glass fibers. Prior art glass fibers may sometimes cause skin irritation, and the natural fiber eliminates this problem. The fibrous mats are preferably placed on both sides of the central foam layer, and a decorative layer is placed outwardly of one of the fibrous mats. Various naturally occurring fibrous materials such as hemp may be utilized.

Abstract: A plastic article and method of molding same is provided where the plastic article includes a plastic member having a first ridge and a second ridge. The plastic member is partially absorbed into and is in bonded engagement with at least a portion of a first laminate and the first laminate has an edge imbedded in the first ridge of the plastic member. Also, the plastic member is partially absorbed into and is in bonded engagement with at least a portion of a second laminate and the second laminate has a first edge imbedded in the first ridge of the plastic member and a second edge imbedded in the second ridge of the plastic member. The plastic member is also partially absorbed into and is in bonded engagement with at least a portion of a third laminate and the third laminate has an edge imbedded in the second ridge of the plastic member.

Abstract: Methods for pre-shaping paint film laminates and co-molding processes using such laminates are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of providing (e.g., forming or procuring) a plastic paint film laminate, softening the paint film laminate with heat such that one or more localized portions of the member absorb more heat than the remainder, and deforming the plastic film member to form a pre-shaped article. The formation of different heat absorption areas on the paint film laminate is referred to as the provision of heat sink areas. These heat sink areas can be provided for example by surface coating of heat retention means such as black paint or ink pigments on localized areas of the surface of the laminate followed by uniform heating of the laminate in an oven or the like or the sheet can be heated in localized areas to a greater extent (i.e. time and/or temperature) than in remainder portions by the means of heat guns or the like.

Abstract: A paint film assembly which includes a thermoformable paint film having a high gloss and DOI and a thermoformable masking film which is removably bonded to the paint film so as to better protect the paint film during shipping and handling, and during subsequent forming and processing (e.g., thermoforming and/or insert molding) of the paint film onto an article or part, while substantially retaining the surface finish of the paint film, particularly the gloss and DOI. The masking film comprises a urethane layer that is laminated or otherwise bonded to the paint film to form a masked paint film. The masking film is thermoformable and/or moldable with the paint film so as to form a thermoformable and/or moldable masked paint film. After the masked paint film is thermoformed and/or molded, the masking film is still readily removable from the paint film.

Abstract: Thin walled B-pillar covers for an automotive vehicle comprise a thin sheet of thermoplastic material of generally uniform thickness vacuum molded about a continuous body molding surface of a molding horn to provide a main body portion having a U-shaped marginal edge along one elongated peripheral extent thereof of a shape to snugly receive therein the sheet metal marginal edge of a vehicle part and an inturned flange along an opposed elongated peripheral extent thereof of a shape to be presented to the inturned surface of the vehicle part. By vacuum molding the thin theremoplastic material about a body molding surface of a molding horn, a cover having a substantially dimple-free, smooth class A exterir surface.

Abstract: A basic part is produced which has a three-dimensionally structured surface; then the surface of the basic part is covered by means of a resin layer in such a manner that all elevations of the three-dimensionally structured surface are covered; subsequently, the resin layer is ground off to such an extent that the tips of the elevations of the surface are also partially ground; and finally at least the ground-off surface is sealed by means of a clear coating.

Abstract: A trim panel for use in automotive trim applications is made from a laminate of a thermoformable foam layer and an A-side layer made of vinyl or cloth or the like. The laminate is thermoformed to impart permanently the contour of a rigid substrate to which the panel will be attached. The foam layer retains the desired contour without the use of other materials. The A-side material and foam layer may be laminated by an adhesive layer which may be a foam which is flame laminated to the foam layer and A-side layer. The foam layer may be encased by thin layers of polyethylene. Process controls are applied allowing thermoforming of parts to automotive precision.

Abstract: An on-line paintable insert useful for being mounted into a depression having a lateral, a longitudinal and a vertical extension, said insert comprising an optionally shaped body having a paintable surface and being attachable to the depression by an adhesive layer. The lateral extension of a bottom area of the body is essentially equal to or exceeds the minimum lateral extension of the depression over the longitudinal extension of the depression, and the body is deformable at least in the outer parts of the bottom area to allow for essentially self-centering and friction-fitting mounting of the insert into the depression. The lateral extension of an upper area of the body is less than the lateral extension of the depression at the vertical position of the upper area of the body when mounted into the depression, over the longitudinal extension of the depression which results in a gap between the upper area including the paintable surface, and the depression.

Abstract: A car cap including a magnetic base and a cap body attached to the magnetic base, the cap body having a cap bill having a cap bill aerodynamic taper.

Abstract: A film applique in the form of a silhouette of the rear view of a human head applied to the rear window of a vehicle, the film being a semi-transparent reflective film of the type normally used as a tinting for vehicle window glass. The tinting film provides a reflective surface when illuminated, thereby giving the impression of occupants in the vehicle.

Abstract: A soft trim part is provided which is particularly suitable for an automobile interior dashboard or armrest. The trim part includes a core part made of expanded polypropylene ("EPP") to which a decorative layer (made of fabric and/or foil) is fused. To manufacture such a trim part, an edge zone of the EPP core part is heated above a melting temperature and the decorative layer is applied and pressed thereon, fusing the decorative layer to the EPP core part. The fused area cools to form a skin-like carrier layer which is relatively stiff and solid, holding the decorative layer to the core part.

Abstract: Improved plastic cladding and body molding parts are provided. These improved parts incorporate at least one and preferably a plurality of large gas channels within the plastic part having corresponding attachment surfaces to allow easy and efficient attachment of the improved parts to a substrate surface. The large gas channels are designed to provide sufficient attachment surfaces so that the monolithic, one-piece plastic part can be attached directly to the desired substrate surface using an adhesive system. Preferably, the adhesive system is an adhesive tape applied directly to the attachment surfaces. More preferably, the adhesive is an acrylic plastic tape applied directly to the attachment surfaces. The improved plastic cladding and body molding parts are especially adapted and suitable for use in automotive applications. A method of attaching the improved plastic cladding and body molding parts to the substrate surface is also described.

Abstract: A shaped exterior automotive body part having a contoured decorative outer surface, comprising a supporting substrate sheet and a decorative transfer film bonded to one side of said substrate sheet and conforming to said contoured surface, said decorative transfer film having a clear coat/color coat exterior automotive paint film comprising a flexible outer clear coat layer having a glossy, smooth outer surface, the clear coat layer formed of an optically clear, thermoplastic and thermoformable weatherable polymeric material, and a pigmented color coat of automotive quality paint adhered to an inner surface of said outer clear coat layer, the color coat formed of a thermoplastic and thermoformable polymeric material with pigments distributed therein to provide a layer of color visible to the outer surface of the automotive body part; said supporting substrate sheet comprising a continuous and self-supporting thermoformable polymeric material having contoured surface regions formed by having thermoformed the c

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing interior trims for transport means, in particular motor vehicles, that consist of a bearing dimensionally stable part and of a decorative part that forms the visible side of the interior trim. The bearing, dimensionally stable part is made of plastic materials stiffened by reinforcing inserts. In order to considerably improve the process, the plastic materials consist of natural or recycled polyols and isocyanates and a material made of natural fibers is used for the reinforcing inserts. The material made of natural fibres is laid into a heatable (foaming) mold whose shape corresponds to that of the interior trim to be produced, the reactive, foamable polyurethane mixture is injected into the mold at a dosing pressure from 100 to 300 bars, then foamed and hardened in the mold at a reaction pressure form 3 to 300 bars.

Abstract: An effect coating material and an effect coating, especially for vehicle bodies, containing interference pigments, in which the interference pigments are composed of three-dimensionally crosslinked, liquid-crystalline, main-chain polymers, which include main-chain mesogens having an at least approximately chiral nematic arrangement, and which are formed from at least one esterified cellulose ether.

Abstract: Several headliner embodiments include a felt layer connected to a cover layer. In the preferred embodiments a pair of felt layers are positioned on both sides of a central mat layer. The mat layer provides loft, while the felt layers in combination with the mat layers provide other desired characteristics for the headliner.

Abstract: A reflective laminated strip includes an aluminum alloy strip having a cleaned and conversion coated outer surface, an adhesive layer adjacent the conversion coated outer surface, and a polymer layer joined to the adhesive layer. An exterior side of the polymer layer is coated with a reflective metal layer that is preferably stainless steel, chromium or aluminum having a thickness of less than about 5000 .ANG..

Abstract: A composite finishing cover for a component such as a vehicle instrument panel is provided by extruding a parison of inner and outer layers of different recyclable plastics having different characteristics but which are from the same family of plastics. The parison is injected with low pressure gas when forming dies are being closed thereover so that the plastics will fully conform to the forming surfaces of the die tooling cavity. The closing force of the dies cause the heat softened inner layers of the first plastics material to join at their interface to form a relatively thick core or substrate providing structural support for the relatively thin and flexible outer layer of the cover, also joined at their interface. The outer layer provides a finishing surface that exhibits a soft feel as when the human hand lightly contacts and moves across the surface thereof.

Abstract: A replacement shift knob assembly for use on a truck transmission. Many truck transmissions have shift knob assemblies that contain a removable knob element with a specific bottom configuration and at least one manual switch that relies upon the specific bottom configuration of the knob element to function. The present invention replacement shift knob assembly includes a knob element made from an aesthetically pleasing material such as wood, stone, ceramic of the like. A base plate is attached to the bottom of the knob element. The base plate has a first side and an opposite second side, wherein the second side of the base plate is configured to generally physically mimic the specific bottom configuration of the original shift knob being replaced. The base plate is made from a material that differs from the replacement knob element in order to provide the base plate with greater material strength and wear resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dismountable vehicle panelling, and in particular a system for connecting vehicle body parts and panelling sections which are used as panelling for load-bearing supporting structures of vehicles.

Abstract: A weather-strip to be mounted on an automobile door having a movable door glass including an elongated main body, and at least one lip provided on the main body and having a contact layer provided thereon. The contact layer has a thickened portion which may act as a practical contact part to contact a side surface of the movable door glass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to moldings such as trim strips and, more particularly, to moldings comprising an outer layer and an inner layer which are bonded together mechanically by a plurality of mating lugs and recesses disposed along the interface of the two layers. Ideally, the materials utilized for the first and second layers will be sufficiently compatible such that adhesive bonding will also be accomplished between the layers, without generally requiring a separate adhesive be disposed therebetween. Various methods for manufacturing the moldings in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved material for forming vehicle trim panels includes natural fibers formed reinforcing mats. The natural fibers replaced the prior known use of glass fibers. Prior art glass fibers may sometimes cause skin irritation, and the natural fiber eliminates this problem. The fibrous mats are preferably placed on both sides of the central foam layer, and a decorative layer is placed outwardly of one of the fibrous mats. Various naturally occurring fibrous materials such as hemp may be utilized.

Abstract: A molded article, useful as an interior part of a motor vehicle, is described. The molded article is formed by injecting a synthetic resin material as a base layer into a mold wherein a synthetic resin film has been placed in close contact with a wall of the mold. The base layer is composed of acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene copolymer or denatured acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene copolymer which is obtained by dispersing butadiene rubber particles within a matrix of acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer or denatured acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer. The acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer or denatured acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer matrix has a molecular weight distribution which is greater than 2.18 and less than 3.05.

Abstract: A method of forming an intermittent stabilized length of a coextruded trim strip product. The method includes coextruding two strips of a thermoplastic material around intermittent sections of a stabilizing insert by a split extrusion die and forming rolls. A cutter cuts the trim strip product between the intermittent stabilizing sections so as to define trim strip products having ends without stabilizing inserts.

Abstract: A decorative accessory for attachment to the grille of a vehicle having spaced bars includes a decorative portion positionable against the front surface of the grille and an attachment portion positionable against the rear surface of the grille. The decorative portion includes a first planar disc, a cushioning pad adhesively secured to one face of the first disc, and a bolt having a head which is attached to the cushioned face of the first disc. The face of the first disc opposite the cushioned face thereof bears decorative indicia, and the longitudinal axis of the threaded shank is arranged so as to be substantially normal to the plane of the first disc. The attachment portion is used with a wing nut to secure the decorative portion to the front of the vehicle grille.

Abstract: A method of assembling a metal or decorative strip to a body side molding of a vehicle. The method includes forming a bodyside molding by extrusion, injection molding or another plastic forming process to a desirable cross-sectional configuration having a show side opening. The strip is shaped by forming and end punching the metal strip to a desirable shape and configuration. The formed metal strip and the bodyside molding are then placed in suitable fixtures in proximity to one another, and to a heat staking tool. The heat staking tool picks up the metal strip from the fixture such that the strip is heated. The heat staking tool then forces the heated metal strip into the opening in the bodyside molding under suitable pressure such that the metal strip melts the molding and the edges of the metal strip are embedded within the molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sign, preferably a registration sign for vehicles, which sign (2) includes a portion or member (16) consisting of a portion of a film web (6) or of a row of separate film portions, whereby said portion (16) is provided with information (3), preferably registration symbols or characters for vehicles, while toner material (25) has been applied thereon by electronically variable application in an electronic printer. For being able to manufacture this sign at low costs and by means of a simple manufacturing method, the toner material is applied on a surface of said portion (16), preferably a surface (23) reflecting light from headlamps, by means of an electronic printer in the form of an ionographic printer (24) wherein the toner material is fixed on the surface of said portion (16) with pressure by a cold pressure and fixing method. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A bumper of synthetic resin for use in an automobile includes a core, and an outer layer covering the core. The material for forming the core includes a main component produced by pulverizing a recovered bumper which has been formed using a polyolefin-based resin composition modified by an olefinic elastomer and which has a thermosetting synthetic resin coating film on its surface, and a polyethylene added to the main component. The material for forming the outer layer includes the polyolefin-based resin composition modified by the olefinic elastomer and the polyethylene in a content A.sub.2 which is smaller than a content A.sub.1 of the polyethylene in the core forming material (A.sub.2 <A.sub.1). The impact resistance of the core is enhanced with the addition of the polyethylene, despite the inclusion of the coating film particles. The outer layer is excellent in heat resisting characteristic, because of a smaller content of the polyethylene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cover for a gas bag of an occupant restraining system in vehicles comprising a cover plate (10) having a front side and a rear side, a badge (12) bearing an emblem fixed on the front side of said cover plate (10), said badge (12) having at least one attachment pin (14) formed thereon and extending through said cover plate (10), and a washer (16) cooperating with said attachment pin (14) on the rear side of said cover plate (10) in order to prevent detachment of said badge (12) from the cover plate (10), wherein said washer (16) is provided with a plurality of recesses.

Abstract: Molded articles having contoured, decorative outer surfaces are disclosed. The articles comprise a molded polymer substrate and a decorative surfacing film adhered to one side of the substrate. The decorative surfacing film comprises a substantially molecularly unoriented cast polymer film formed from a weatherable polymer. The articles are particularly suited for use as automobile body panels and the like. Also disclosed is a method for making such articles, and a method for making sets of such articles for assembly into automobile bodies and the like.

Abstract: Molded articles having contoured, decorative outer surfaces are disclosed. The articles comprise a molded polymer substrate and a decorative surfacing film adhered to one side of the substrate. The decorative surfacing film comprises a substantially molecularly unoriented cast polymer film formed from a weatherable polymer. The articles are particularly suited for use as automobile body panels and the like. Also disclosed is a method for making such articles, and a method for making sets of such articles for assembly into automobile bodies and the like.

Abstract: The invention features an elongated strip of resilient material, which strip is secured in and partially surrounds a mounting member, where the resilient strip member has a semi-cylindrical body with a pair of circumferentially facing edge portions. The resilient strip also includes a pair of oppositely disposed, radially-inwardly extending solid, wedge shaped latch members, each extending longitudinally of the latch member and located between one of the edge portions and a point 45 degrees away from the mid-line of the semi-cylindrical body. The mounting member includes a web portion having a pair of oppositely disposed web-latch extensions extending across a chord of the semi-cylindrical body, substantially parallel to a tangent to the circumference of the semi-cylindrical body at its mid-line, and at least one leg member extending from the web portion away from the semi-cylindrical body.

Abstract: Molded articles having contoured, decorative outer surfaces are disclosed. The articles comprise a molded polymer substrate and a decorative surfacing film adhered to one side of the substrate. The decorative surfacing film comprises a substantially molecularly unoriented cast polymer film formed from a weatherable polymer. The articles are particularly suited for use as automobile body panels and the like. Also disclosed is a method for making such articles, and a method for making sets of such articles for assembly into automobile bodies and the like.