Abstract: A window unit configured to be removably mounted in an operative position in a motor vehicle having a half door and a soft roof structure disposed above the half door. The window unit comprises a rigid, transparent window panel and a surrounding frame of flexible material. A lower portion of the surrounding frame is configured to be releasably attached to an upper portion of the half door of the motor vehicle. An upper portion of the surrounding frame is configured to be releasably attached to a side edge of the soft roof structure of the motor vehicle. A window frame is mounted within a window-receiving opening formed through the surrounding frame. The window frame has a window track provided therein. The window panel is mounted within the window frame and has an outer peripheral edge thereof received in the window track. The surrounding frame has an inner portion extending around the window-receiving opening. The inner portion is devoid of openings.

Abstract: A painting wagon carries a plurality of components to be painted through a painting facility. The wagon includes a component supporting assembly having a plurality of opposed pairs of component mounting pins fixed thereto. The component supporting assembly is supported by a base structure having wheels which permit the painting wagon to be translated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle sunroof having variable optical transmission and a method for making the same. Specifically, a vehicle sunroof is provided that, in accordance with the present invention, comprises a relatively thin film having variable optical transmission and a relatively thick substrate layer of clear plastic material adhered to a surface of the relatively thin film. The relatively thin film is positioned in a first molding die of a pair of injection molding dies such that it is adjacent a surface of the first die. The relatively thick substrate layer is adhered to one surface of the relatively thin film while in contact therewith in a molten state under heat and pressure within a cavity defined by the injection molding dies.

Abstract: Belt weatherstrip moulding for motor vehicles or other motor vehicle trim may be made of separate inner and outer components. The inner component may be a base component which is extruded in a flexible material such as an elastomeric material which may be rubber or rubbery materials and which partially envelops an elongate core which is rigid with respect to the extruded material. Preferably the core is aluminum or less preferably stainless steel, galvanized steel or zinc coated steel or it may be a rigid thermoplastic material. The elongate core has an exposed face for attachment to the outer moulding. The outer component is an outer decorative skin and is an injection moulding, preferably polyurethane, although other plastics material may be used. The inner and outer mouldings are adhered together through double sided adhesive tape.

Abstract: A rigid sliding window is provided for the soft tops of soft topped vehicles such as soft topped cars and boats or even tent trailers. It may be attached directly into the soft top side curtain or into a rigid side frame or inner structural frame. The window module comprises a fixed window panel, a sliding window panel and a slim line frame for the panels. The fixed window panel and an outer flange of the frame are fixed directly to the soft fabric of the soft top, the outer flange of the frame being sandwiched between an outer margin of the fixed panel and the fabric of the soft top. The frame also provides a channel in which the sliding panel runs. In the region of the sliding panel in its closed position the outer flange of the frame is fastened directly to the fabric of the soft top.

Abstract: A body side molding for automobiles. The molding has a rigid base and a cover which is relatively flexible with respect to the base. Covers of disclosed embodiments are of polyvinyl chloride. The base and cover snap together, the cover having retainers on its reverse face, and the base having retainers for engaging the retainers of the cover on its obverse face. The reverse face of the base is secured to a vehicle using double-sided adhesive tape.

Abstract: A vehicle window comprising a relatively thin sheet of clear plastic material having opposed surfaces, an electrically operable defrosting grid adhered to one surface of the relatively thin sheet, and a relatively thick substrate layer of clear plastic material having opposed surfaces curved into a vehicle window configuration.

Abstract: A process for manufacture of an automotive trim piece having a polymeric skin fastened to substrate. The polymer, for example, polyvinyl chloride has the property that upon cooling to a relatively rigid state the polymer shrinks. The process includes a step of molding the polymeric skin separately from the substrate such that the skin has a rear face for abutment with an obverse face of the substrate and a pair of lips extending from ends of the rear face. The lips are configured for engaging corresponding edges of the substrate. The skin is cooled to a relatively elastic state, and the skin and substrate are assembled while the skin is in the relatively elastic state. On further cooling, shrinkage forces of the skin and the skin lips in abutment with the corresponding edges of the substrate produce a snug fit from edge to edge of the skin to the substrate and the skin becomes relatively rigid.

Abstract: An exterior automotive vehicle component which is provided for exterior appearance purposes or is of such large size as to materially contribute to the exterior appearance of the vehicle. The component comprises a substrate of thermoplastic polyolefin composition defining the shape of the component having pigmentation therein defining the color of the exterior surface means and a coating of clear material on the exterior surface of the substrate enabling the exterior color and configurational appearance to have an enhanced luster and improved mar resistance. The composition has an ultraviolet radiation deterioration preventing agent therein and the clear material has an ultraviolet radiation screening agent therein.