Abstract: A finish panel for a vehicle may include a panel substrate, a skin layer disposed over the panel substrate, and a foam layer. The panel substrate may include a base portion, an upper sealing surface and a lower sealing surface. The upper sealing surface and the lower sealing surface may be oriented in a step configuration. The skin layer may include an upper skin and a lower skin joined together to form a seam. The seam may include an overlap seam and at least a portion of the overlap seam may be positioned on the lower sealing surface such that there are no obtrusions in an A-surface of the skin layer. The foam layer may be disposed between the skin layer and the panel substrate.

Abstract: A window glass, particularly for installation by adhesive bonding in an opening of a vehicle bodywork, comprises a sheet of glass with a profiled bead that is fixed at least to the main surface of the sheet of glass facing toward the interior in the installed state and that rests against at least part of the opening. The use of such a window glass makes it possible, once the window glass has been installed in the bodywork opening, to obtain a visible space less than 5 mm between the opening and the edge face of the window glass.

Abstract: A window glass, particularly for installation by adhesive bonding in an opening of a vehicle bodywork, comprises a sheet of glass with a profiled bead that is fixed at least to the main surface of the sheet of glass facing toward the interior in the installed state and that rests against at least part of the opening. The use of such a window glass makes it possible, once the window glass has been installed in the bodywork opening, to obtain a visible space less than 5 mm between the opening and the edge face of the window glass.

Abstract: A system for attaching a component to a substrate, such as a vehicle. The system comprises a bracket. At least one fastener is coupled to the bracket and is engageable to the vehicle. A component is assembled to the bracket such that a lip of the component contacts a tab of the bracket, and the bracket at least partially engages a gap defined by the lip and an interior surface of the component. The component is attached to the vehicle when the fastener is engaged with the vehicle. A method employs the system.

Abstract: A trim panel is mounted to a structural member of an automotive vehicle via a fastener. The trim panel includes an opening in registration with the fastener. An integrated cover and hook fills at least a portion of the opening and permits and occupant to hang an item within the vehicle.

Abstract: A weather strip 10 has a trim portion 20 and a hollow seal portion 40. The trim portion 20 is made up of an external sidewall 21, a bottom wall 23 and an internal sidewall 22 to thereby be given a substantially U-shaped cross section. A first flange holding lip 24 is formed on an interior surface of either of the external sidewall 21 and the internal sidewall 22 so as to be positioned on an opening side of the trim portion 20, a second flange holding lip 25 is formed on the interior surface of the same sidewall so as to be positioned on a bottom wall side of the trim portion 20, and opposite flange holding lips 26, 27 are formed on an interior surface of the other of the external sidewall 21 and the internal sidewall 22 so as to be positioned between the first flange holding lip 24 and the second flange holding lip 25 while extending therefrom.

Abstract: An architectural detail (10 or 100) for coupling to a structure (124) to enhance the appearance of the structure. The architectural detail includes a core (18 or 118) and an outer covering (14 or 114) at least partially covering the core. The architectural detail further includes a support member (22 or 122) extending outward from the core. The support member is adapted to support the architectural detail a selected distance above a support surface (112) such that the outer covering disposed on the core of the architectural detail does not touch the support surface.

Abstract: A vehicle trim component includes a trim body, with a primary fastener extending from the trim body. The primary fastener includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes a push clip head that is configured to substantially fit and project through an aperture in the vehicle panel. The second end is connected to the trim body. The secondary fastener is rotatably connected to the trim body by a living hinge and is positioned to engage the vehicle panel at an edge portion of the vehicle panel.

Abstract: A body molding with integral lock feature that is located within a channel formed in a body of a vehicle includes an elongated cover portion that is generally planar, with opposed side edges, an upper surface and a lower surface and opposed side edges. A retention member projects radially from the lower surface of the cover portion. The retention member includes at least two links interconnected via a joint, and each link is formed from a thermoplastic material having a predetermined link durometer. The joint is made from a thermoplastic material having a predetermined joint durometer. The link durometer is greater than the joint durometer, so that the retention member has a first predetermined shape prior to installation in the channel and a second predetermined shape after installation in the channel, to maintain the retention member in the channel via interference contact between a contacting joint and the channel.

Abstract: A vehicle ditch molding for insertion and retention in a recess, such as a roof ditch, formed between a first vehicle body panel and a second vehicle body panel is disclosed. The vehicle ditch molding may include a head extending outward from a ditch molding centerline and configured to cover an opening to the recess, and a stem extending from the head along the ditch molding centerline and configured to be narrower than the opening to the recess. Also, the vehicle ditch molding may include a pair of wings extending outward from the stem, with each of the wings having an upper surface facing the head and a lower surface, with each having a wing lower notch extending into the wing lower surface defining an inner living hinge extending between the respective wing lower notch and the corresponding upper surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window unit (10) comprising a window pane (11) and a frame (12). The frame (12) consists of two parts, a basic frame (15) and an additional frame (16). The basic frame (15) has a bearing surface (17) which contacts the window pane (11) to which the frame is permanently fixed by means of an adhesive layer (19) deposited on the bearing surface. The basic frame (15) further comprises a connecting surface (21) for the additional frame (16). Said additional frame (16) in turn also has a connecting surface (21) of the basic frame (15). The two frame parts (15; 16) are removably or permanently joined together via their connecting surfaces (21; 26).

Abstract: A vehicle wash system having a plurality of vehicle treatment components includes with at least one support member. The support member is constructed of a base material and has an outer surface. An elongated cover includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface of the elongated cover has a first color and a size and shape that substantially matches the outer surface of the support member. The elongated cover is readably engageable with the support member to protect it from contact with fluid and debris. The elongated cover is formed of a readably cleanable material such that fluid and debris can be easily wiped off of its exterior surface.

Abstract: Installation structure for installing and removing a sacrificial glazing panel. There is disclosed a removable retaining member for the sacrificial glazing panel that laterally pressures a primary glazing panel to seal and hold the primary glazing panel and holds the sacrificial glazing panel without lateral pressure. A unitary, dual-durometer retaining member is disclosed which is optimized for holding the primary glazing and the sacrificial glazing panel in different manners by having materials of two different hardnesses. Additionally, a retaining member is disclosed that has flocking material to reduce rattling of the sacrificial glazing panel.

Abstract: A trim panel (10) includes at least one integrally-formed first member (12) and at least one integrally-formed second member (14) extend from an outboard surface (16) of the trim panel (10). The at least one integrally-formed first member (12) engages an inboard surface (42) of a barrier (36) to push the barrier (36) in an outboard direction. The at least one integrally-formed second member (14) extends through an opening or perforation (40) of the barrier (36) to retain the barrier (36) to the trim panel (10). The barrier (36) may be a water/acoustic ingression barrier (36). The at least one integrally-formed first member (12) causes an adhesive bead (44) arranged on an outboard surface (46) of the barrier (36) to positively engage an inboard surface (48) of an inner door panel (38). The at least one integrally-formed second member (14) extends through an opening or perforation (40) of the barrier (36) to retain the barrier (36) with the interior door trim panel (10).

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim component and a method for manufacturing the same are provided in which a vehicle interior trim component comprises a substrate provided with a groove portion having a plurality of bottomed groove portions and a plurality of cutout groove portions from which the bottoms have been cut, and a trim member provided with a first cover portion, the second cover portion, and a fixing member mounted on a boundary portion between the first cover portion and the second cover portion, the first cover portion located on the opposite side of the groove portion from a second cover portion, the trim member covering the substrate. The boundary portion including the fixing member is attached to the groove portion by insertion through one end of the groove portion. Each of the cutout groove portions is provided on its edge with a retainer for retaining the fixing member.

Abstract: In the window unit composed of a window pane and frame, the frame has two profiled sections. The first profiled section serves for connecting to the window pane and generally extends along the entire window pane edge and bears against it at an edge region or at two or three edge regions. The second profiled section serves for connecting to a decorative strip and therefore generally extends over only a predefined longitudinal section of the frame. The second profiled section of the frame generally has a plurality of longitudinal sections with a bearing face for the decorative strip. In addition, the second profiled section generally has a plurality of longitudinal sections each with a continuous cutout, located in the region of the horizontal projection of the decorative strip, for a securing strip. On the underside of the decorative strip there is a longitudinally extending cutout with a cross-sectional constriction.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim component and a method for manufacturing the same are provided in which a vehicle interior trim component comprises a substrate provided with a groove portion having a plurality of bottomed groove portions and a plurality of cutout groove portions from which the bottoms have been cut, and a trim member provided with a first cover portion, the second cover portion, and a fixing member mounted on a boundary portion between the first cover portion and the second cover portion, the first cover portion located on the opposite side of the groove portion from a second cover portion, the trim member covering the substrate. The boundary portion including the fixing member is attached to the groove portion by insertion through one end of the groove portion. Each of the cutout groove portions is provided on its edge with a retainer for retaining the fixing member.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a decorative trim piece consisting substantially of a carrying element of plastic and a decorative plate of thin metal fastened thereon, to decorate the interior, in land vehicles, aircraft or watercraft, predominantly for use as dashboard elements, center console or as door trim strips. The decorative trim piece is characterized in that the completely finished decorative plate is inserted into an injection mold and that the carrying element is injection-molded as an injection molding compound directly onto the back of the decorative plate so that both elements are connected to one another at least in partial areas so solidly that they form a sturdy unit.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the demand for a technology that enables reutilization of a molding main body and the fasteners for fixing a molding main body to an automobile following the removal of these parts from one another. The present invention proposes a car molding and fastener, in which a base plate is provided to a fastener for fixing molding main body to a car body, base plate being inserted into and held in place in housing space of a fastener holder that is formed to molding main body. Elastic pieces are provided on opposite sides of base plate, and have protruding portions which engage in a releasable manner with engage-and-stop portions on either side of fastener holder. By manipulating these elastic pieces, the aforementioned engagement is released, so that fastener can be separated from fastener holder in this car molding.

Abstract: A roof module comprises an outer shell and a foamed inner shell. The outer shell has a rim including an edge of cut and the inner shell extends as far as on the edge of cut. There is also proposed a method of producing such a roof module.

Abstract: A moulding element for motor vehicle bodies has been realized wherein a main section bar (2) of elongated conformation is engaged to attachment projections (9) presented by a correspondent securing area (5a) of a body (5) of a motor vehicle. The engagement between main section bar (2) and body (5) occurs by means of the interposition of a continuous support element (7) presenting a pre-set number of seats (11) able to be engaged to a pre-set number of fastening projections (9) of the body.

Abstract: A clip for a sash molding comprises an elongated end cap adapted to be inserted into an end portion of the sash molding, a fastener adapted to be fixed to a door pillar, and a lip for filling a gap between the sash molding and the door pillar. The fastener and the end cap are made of hard plastic material, and are integrally molded to one another. The lip is made of soft plastic material, and is integrally connected to the end cap in a predetermined configuration, by pouring the soft plastic material in its molten state onto a predetermined region of the end cap and solidifying the soft plastic material thereon. The clip may also include a cover portion, made of a soft plastic material, that continuously extends from the lip and is integrally connected to an end of the end cap.

Abstract: A side sill garnish comprises a side covering part that covers the side part of a side sill outside the vehicle in the transverse direction; a side installation part that is installed on the side part of the side sill; a bottom covering part that extends from the bottom edge of the side covering part toward the internal direction of the vehicle along the transverse direction and covers the bottom of the side sill; a bottom installation part that is installed on the bottom of the side sill; and wherein the bottom installation part extends from the side covering part toward the bottom of the side sill separately from the bottom covering part.

Abstract: A gimp made of flexible, compressible material attaches an edge of a trim piece to a panel. The gimp is bonded to the panel without visual gaps between the gimp and the panel. The gimp has a slip connection to the trim piece. The slip connection is provided by a slot in the gimp slidably receiving the edge of the trim piece.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a thermoplastic resin foam molding comprising a substrate having a foam layer and a projection formed in one piece together with the substrate wherein the projection hardly separates from the substrate and they are firmly jointed together. The invention provides a thermoplastic resin foam molding comprising a substrate and a projection formed in one piece together with the substrate wherein the substrate has a foam layer and a skin layer containing no voids wherein the ratio (R/L) of the curvature R of a joint between the projection and the substrate to the thickness L of the skin layer is from 3 to 50.

Abstract: Two mutually adjoined strips form a decorative covering for a vehicle having a connection element for the aligned connecting. This connection element, in one strip, consists of a detent hook and, in the other strip, consists of a detent hook receiving device. In the connected condition, the detent hook of one strip is held hooked into the detent hook receiving device of the other strip such that the exterior strip surfaces can be connected with one another at the same level and the strips can be connected with one another without gaps.

Abstract: A window 30 is a two-color molding comprising a transparent section 32 and a frame section 31 integrated with the transparent section 32, the frame section 31 and the transparent section 32 are formed with a first material and a second material respectively, and the first material is a thermoplastic resin with the linear thermal expansion coefficient in the MD direction lower by 1×10?5 to 3×10?5 (mm/(mm.K)) than that of the second material, and also with the MD/TD ratio for the linear thermal expansion coefficient in the range from 0.6 to 1.

Abstract: A trim insert 10 made of metal sheet in which a plurality of core pieces 11 arranged parallel to each other at regular intervals are connected together via bonded portions 12, wherein a deformed linear section 20 is formed in the lengthwise direction a of the core piece. The deformed section is a bent portion 21, a projected portion 22, 23 or a groove portion 24, and is formed all over the surface of the core pieces.

Abstract: The double glazed panel assembly comprises a glass holder frame which includes an inner annular glass supporting surface and an outer annular glass supporting surface which extends along an outer periphery of the inner annular glass supporting surface in a laterally spaced relationship and is raised relative to the inner annular glass supporting surface, and the outer and inner glass sheets are supported by the outer and inner annular glass supporting surfaces, respectively. Therefore, the outer peripheral part of the outer glass sheet provides an inwardly facing surface (facing the corresponding glass supporting surface of the glass holder frame) that is available as a surface for bonding onto the glass holder frame so that the outer glass sheet as well as the inner glass sheet can be firmly attached to the glass holder frame, and a required integrity of the assembly can be ensured even though the panel assembly presents a flush outer surface.

Abstract: A wooden member fabrication method which, by a simple process, can enable greater stability of shape subsequent to processing and uniformity of color tone. A wooden original piece with a long form has a hole thereinside which extends in the length direction. Corner portions are chamfered and radial direction thicknesses are substantially constrained to a certain range. An outer periphery of this wooden original piece is compression-deformed in directions toward an axial central portion and the outer periphery is thus made an arc surface. Because of the chamfering, radial direction thicknesses of the wooden original piece are constrained, and differences by location between compression ratios can be suppressed.

Abstract: Flexible molding for use in eliminating a gap between a windshield and an opening, or a pane and an opening, is accomplished by a unique hinge groove between an exterior surface member of the molding and a seat member. By pinching the two members together, the channel that receives and attaches to the windshield is widened, making it much easier to attach the molding to a windshield. Also, inside the channel are one or more barbs that ensure good retention of the molding to the windshield or pane. The barbs also provide better gripping for any adhesive used in the channel when securing the molding to a windshield. Also provided are primer ridges for improved adhesion of the molding to the car body or other structure.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for attaching a trim panel to a vehicle mounting member includes a retainer that is attachable to a concealable surface of the trim panel. The assembly also includes a fastening element that is movably attachable to the retainer by moving the fastening element laterally with respect to the retainer. The fastening element is further adapted to be attached to the mounting member.

Abstract: An automotive window trim molding for fixed glass windows is formed from a flexible polymeric material and has a channel section for receiving an edge of a fixed glass window. A double-sided adhesive foam tape is provided on an interior wall of the channel section to bond the molding to a glass panel received within the channel.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is the development of a support strip, which lends a seal, made from a rubber material, a stiffness adequate for production and assembly, has good extension and compression properties, has an adequate mobility in order to be able to follow the given directional curves of the chassis components and lends the seal a clamping force sufficient for a secure and durable seating of the seal on the attachment flange of the chassis components. Said aim must be achieved with the proviso of a lowest possible weight and low production costs for said support strip. The aim is achieved by means of an asymmetric arrangement of short (2) and long (3) wedge-like recesses and slots (4) in the support strip as in FIG. 1, permitting a low weight and low production costs in fulfilling the said aims. The invention further relates to an asymmetric strip which can be used as reinforcing support for a seal made from rubber material in chassis production of automobiles.

Abstract: An injection molded skin has an edge which is substantially thicker than the major surface of the skin which is adapted to be fitted within a slot in a skin-receiving substrate, such that it forms a seal when cushioned urethane foam material is injected behind the skin between the skin and substrate. The method of manufacturing the panel includes the steps of providing a substrate having a slot formed therein for receiving a peripheral edge of a skin of material, introducing a peripheral edge of a skin material having a thickness greater than the overall thickness of the skin into the slot, and injection molding a foam polymeric material behind this skin with a pressure which seals the peripheral edge of the skin to the slot for completing the decorative panel so formed.

Abstract: A reinforcement rib is provided at the reverse side of the elongated side molding in longitudinal direction and a portion of the reinforcement rib is elevated to form a welding rib. In the clip as an attachment member, a rib hole is provided for inserting the welding rib therein and the open side of the rib hole from which the welding rib is projecting is formed with a larger bore. The side molding body is integrally formed with the attachment member by housing a dislocation preventing portion formed by heat riveting a tip end of the welding rib inserted into the rib hole of the attachment member. Thus integrated side molding with the attachment member is attached to the outer panel of the vehicle by the leg portion provided at the attachment member.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for attaching a trim panel to a vehicle mounting member includes a retainer that is attachable to a concealable surface of the trim panel. The assembly also includes a fastening element that is movably attachable to the retainer by moving the fastening element laterally with respect to the retainer. The fastening element is further adapted to be attached to the mounting member.

Abstract: Flexible molding for use in eliminating a gap between a windshield and an opening, or a pane and an opening, is accomplished by a unique hinge groove between an exterior surface member of the molding and a seat member. By pinching the two members together, the channel that receives and attaches to the windshield is widened, making it much easier to attach the molding to a windshield. Also, inside the channel are one or more barbs that ensure good retention of the molding to the windshield or pane. The barbs also provide better gripping for any adhesive used in the channel when securing the molding to a windshield. Also provided are primer ridges for improved adhesion of the molding to the car body or other structure.

Abstract: The double glazed panel assembly comprises a glass holder frame which includes an inner annular glass supporting surface and an outer annular glass supporting surface which extends along an outer periphery of the inner annular glass supporting surface in a laterally spaced relationship and is raised relative to the inner annular glass supporting surface, and the outer and inner glass sheets are supported by the outer and inner annular glass supporting surfaces, respectively. Therefore, the outer peripheral part of the outer glass sheet provides an inwardly facing surface (facing the corresponding glass supporting surface of the glass holder frame) that is available as a surface for bonding onto the glass holder frame so that the outer glass sheet as well as the inner glass sheet can be firmly attached to the glass holder frame, and a required integrity of the assembly can be ensured even though the panel assembly presents a flush outer surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an automotive trim component/article. Extrusion is utilized to provide a colored and/or metallized sheet. The sheet is vacuum-formed into a three-dimensionally shaped preform or base structure. At least one mounting structure (e.g., formed by small-scale injection molding tooling) is vibration welded to a surface of the preform in order to form the automotive trim component. The invention is applicable to trim components such as bodyside molding, body panels, wheel covers, pillars, and the like.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is performed by providing a glass sheet having first and second opposite surfaces merging with each other along a peripheral ground angled surface setting-off with the glass sheet first surface an included angle substantially greater than normal. The glass sheet is placed in a mold having opposing cavity portions which collectively define a cavity including a peripheral edge cavity portion defined in part by a cavity defining surface which lies in the plane of the glass sheet first surface when the mold is closed. The mold is then closed such that the cavity defining surface and the glass sheet round angled surface set-off and angled complementary to the included angle and with the glass sheet per surface abutting the cavity defining surface inboard of the glass sheet ground angled surface.

Abstract: Two mutually adjoined strips form a decorative covering for a vehicle having a connection element for the aligned connecting. This connection element, in one strip, consists of a detent hook and, in the other strip, consists of a detent hook receiving device. In the connected condition, the detent hook of one strip is held hooked into the detent hook receiving device of the other strip such that the exterior strip surfaces can be connected with one another at the same level and the strips can be connected with one another without gaps.

Abstract: The present invention involves a window trim system with a bracket and trim ring, and a method of installing the same. The window trim system includes a clamping bracket which is press fit and screwed into preformed channels in the window frame. The clamping bracket has a receiving portion, such as a depression or catch, for interfitting with an engagement portion of the trim ring, such as a protrusion or catch. A trim ring is then snapped into place over the clamping bracket, thus hiding the screw head from sight. Advantageously, the window trim system is capable of securing the window frame to the vehicle wall with a minimal number of brackets and screws.

Abstract: A method, molding device and vehicle component (10) provide for minimized sink marks (30) caused by structural ribs (28) in the molding process. Molten material is injected into a first mold cavity to form a primary vehicle component part (20) having structural ribs (28) on a back side. Typically, sink marks (30) may develop at a front surface of the primary vehicle component part (20), located opposite to the structural ribs (28) on the back side. Molten material is injected into a second molding cavity that is arranged to overmold the front surface (26) of the primary vehicle component part (20) and to cover sink marks (30), if any, in the front surface (26). In this manner, a vehicle component (10) is manufactured with structural ribs (28) and without visible sink marks (30).

Abstract: An article holder includes a base to be attached to an inner side portion of a frame and at lease two clip members to be assembled to the base with a space therebetween. The clip members receive therein engaging projections of projecting pieces provided at an article while elastically expanding. Also, the clip members include inserting portions having engaging portions to be engaged with the engaging projections of the projecting pieces through rebounding at terminal positions to which the projecting pieces are inserted. Moreover, the clip members are rotatably assembled to the base. Thus, in case a window glass is curved to have a curved inner side on a passenger's compartment side, the article can be held corresponding to the curve by changing the engaging positions of a plurality of engaging portions with respect to the article.

Abstract: A weather strip is attached to the periphery of an organic glass plate. The organic glass plate is supported by a slide panel. A space is defined between the weather strip and an end face of the periphery of the organic glass plate. The space accommodates thermal expansion of the organic glass plate. A tube is located at a corner of the weather strip. Foreign matter trapped in the space moves from the space to the tube and then is discharged from the space.

Abstract: A fixture for and method of positioning an edge member on a sheet. The fixture includes a base, an arrangement to locate a sheet is provided to be supported on the fixture at a predetermined position relative to a plurality of datum points; and an arrangement to position an edge member to be secured along a peripheral edge of the sheet at a desired position relative to the datum points. In one particular embodiment of the invention, a plurality of alignment stops are positioned to contact selected peripheral edges of the sheet while the sheet is supported on support posts to position and orient the window at a predetermined position relative to the datum points.

Abstract: A reinforcement rib is provided at the reverse side of the elongated side molding in longitudinal direction and a portion of the reinforcement rib is elevated to form a welding rib.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an automotive trim component/article. Extrusion is utilized to provide a colored and/or metallized sheet. The sheet is vacuum-formed into a three-dimensionally shaped preform or base structure. At least one mounting structure (e.g., formed by small-scale injection molding tooling) is vibration welded to a surface of the preform in order to form the automotive trim component. The invention is applicable to trim components such as bodyside molding, body panels, wheel covers, pillars, and the like.

Abstract: A windshield seal has a base, to be connected to windshield molding. The base is generally parallel to a windshield in a section view. A primary sealing lip is connected at an inboard end of the base, to contact the windshield. A secondary sealing lip is connected to an outboard end of the base, to contact the windshield. The primary sealing lip generally points inboard and toward the windshield and the secondary sealing lip generally points outboard and toward the windshield. An inboard leg is connected to the inboard end of the base, to be positioned outside the windshield molding, the inboard leg being generally perpendicular to the windshield. An outboard leg is connected to the outboard end of the base, to be positioned inside the windshield molding, the outboard leg being generally perpendicular to the windshield.