Abstract: Improved side sill or rocker panel trim part and methods of molding same are provided. In the methods, a substantially “C” like cross-sectional shaped mold cavity is provided having a pair of terminal cavity portions therein. A living hinge-forming cavity space is provided between a midpoint of the cavity and one of the terminal end portions. The part comprises a longitudinal axis extending therealong and a pair of leg portions and an intermediate section interconnecting the leg portions. The part includes a substantially “C” shaped cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis with the intermediate section including a show surface side with the legs extending away from the show surface side. A hinge joint is provided adjacent one of the legs so that the part is bendable at the hinge to form a substantially closed “C” position.

Abstract: An elongated, substantially “C” cross sectioned part and method of making same are provided wherein the part may be injection molded and covered with a paint film on the showside part portions. The method includes the provision of a mold cavity having an inclined nadir wall boundary and moving the female mold away from the stationary male mold part an angle of about 1-20° relative to the widthwise or Y direction. The part includes a plastic substrate and an optional paint film having one edge thereof terminating along the nadir wall behind the show surface of the part.

Abstract: Improved side sill or rocker panel trim part and methods of molding same are provided. In the methods, a substantially “C” like cross-sectional shaped mold cavity is provided having a pair of terminal cavity portions therein. A living hinge-forming cavity space is provided between a midpoint of the cavity and one of the terminal end portions. The part comprises a longitudinal axis extending therealong and a pair of leg portions and an intermediate section interconnecting the leg portions. The part includes a substantially “C” shaped cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis with the intermediate section including a show surface side with the legs extending away from the show surface side. A hinge joint is provided adjacent one of the legs so that the part is bendable at the hinge to form a substantially closed “C” position.

Abstract: A plural color component film laminate part and method for insert-molding a plural color film laminate part comprises preforming a film laminate and subsequently insert-molding a plastic substrate against the preformed film laminate. An improvement in traditional insert molding techniques is provided by use of a specific mold cavity structure which facilitates positioning of the film laminate transition line(s) between colors within longitudinally extending groove(s) in the part show face. According to one embodiment, the film laminate is preformed with a re-entrant edge portion which is positioned within the mold cavity such that the edge of the plastic substrate will be substantially covered. The insert molding step involves positioning the preformed film laminate in a specially configured mold cavity, closing the mold and injecting molten resin into the mold' cavity against the film laminate.

Abstract: A Clip (1) and a clip house (20)for an automotive part. The clip (1) has dual attachment channels (4,5) so that the clip (1) is easily attachable, removable and re-attachable to and from a vehicle, such as an automobile, boat, snowmobile, or other similar structure. The clip (1) comprises a base (2), whereby a male member (3) projects from the base of the clip (2) on one side of the base (2), and the channels (4, 5) extend from the base (2) on the opposite side of the base (2). A longitudinal axis (b) of the male member (3) is offset slightly from a true center (a) of the base (2). The channels (4, 5) are provided on the side of the base (2) opposite the male member (3). Flanges (7, 8) are provided to secure attachment means of a trim part (30) received in the channels (4, 5). The clip house (20) comprises a ramp (85) with a recessed well (23) parallel to the ramp (85).

Abstract: Method for insert molding film covered plastic parts are disclosed that facilitate wrapping of the paint film around edges of the part. A mold cavity (210) is provided wherein the requisite edge extremities (212, 214) of the cavity (210) are provided in an offset or spaced relation to the mold parting line plane (216). Location of the mold extremities at this position helps to secure the paint film in the mold cavity (210) and prevents pinching of the film that would otherwise occur along the mold parting line (216).

Abstract: An elongated, substantially “C” cross sectioned part and method of making same are provided wherein the part may be injection. molded and covered with portions. The method includes, the provision of a mold cavity having an inclined nadir wall boundary (182) and moving (358) the female mold mold part (104) an angle of about 1-20° relative to the widthwise or Y direction. The part includes a plastic substrate and an optional paint film having one edge (204) wall (182) behind the show surface (200) of the part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light weight molded plastic articles and methods of making same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a hollow-core, foamed-plastic, film-laminate article utilizing convention gas assisted molding apparatus with corresponding high production rate capabilities. The resulting film-laminate, hollow-core, foamed-plastic part comprises a class A show-face surface. The method comprises formation of a porous mass of molten plastic in the mold cavity containing the laminate. The molten plastic is cored out or hollowed by injection of gas into the mold cavity.

Abstract: A windshield molding for insertion in the space between a windshield glass panel and a window opening of a vehicle body panel. The windshield molding structure includes a clasp portion, a bendable portion, and a channel lip portion. The clasp portion conformingly adheres to the edge of the windshield glass and the bendable portion engages the periphery of the window opening wherein the bendable portion bends and folds under the channel lip portion to provide an air-tight compression seal between the window glass and vehicle body panel, thereby minimizing undesirable air flow whistling and collection of dirt or other debris within the windshield molding structure. A windshield molding is also provided with a water drain channel which guides rainwater along the edge of the molding structure to prevent the water fluid from being sprayed onto the side windows.

Abstract: Rocker panel/clip house combination is shown wherein a first support member of the clip house is connected to the rocker panel at a first junction that is located between the top surface of the part and a depending side surface. The side surface is connected to a part surface at a second juncture or radiused section. A second support member of the clip house is attached to the surface at a location that is laterally spaced from the second juncture.

Abstract: A clip with dual attachment flanges that is easily attachable, removable and re-attachable to and from a vehicle, such as an automobile, boat, snowmobile, or other similar structure. The clip comprises a base, whereby a male member projects perpendicularly from the base on one side of the base substantially from a leg member of the base, first and second legs project from a cross-member substantially in the same plane as the base, the first and second legs projecting from the cross-member on opposite ends of the cross-member, and attachment flanges at the outermost ends of each of the first and second legs. A corresponding clip housing attached to a trim part is provided with flange receipt channels that receive the flanges of the first and second legs to secure the trim part to the clip. The first and second legs of the clip are thus slid over portions of the clip housing to seat the flanges of the first and second legs in their respective flange receipt channels.

Abstract: An automotive trim part comprising a pigmented transparent layer overlying an intermediate bright film layer. The intermediate bright film layer overlies a thermoplastic olefin layer. The thermoplastic olefin layer is mounted to an automobile. The combination of the intermediate bright film layer with the pigmented transparent layer provides unique gloss and color qualities to automotive trim parts such that the color of the automobile may be matched by the automotive trim part while providing a glossy sheen comparable to the gloss of chrome, for example. As a result, the visual attractiveness of automobiles is enhanced and durable automotive trim parts with no after-fabrication painting are provided.

Abstract: An improved rocker panel on side sill construction includes a substantially planar horizontal top portion, a side portion with a substantially convex show surface and a substantially concave hidden surface opposite the show surface, and a clip house mounting structure disposed on the hidden surface. The improvement consists of joining the clip house to the rocker panel or side sill at the juncture formed between the top show surface and side show surface of the part. Preferably, this joint comprises at least one hollow channel surrounded by a reinforcing rib connecting to the hidden surface proximate the juncture of the top portion with the side portion and connecting the clip house mounting structure to this rib. The channel and reinforcing rib may run substantially longitudinally the length of the rocker panel. The channel and reinforcing rib inhibiting sagging in the top portion of the part between adjacent clip house mounting structures.

Abstract: Rocker panel/clip house combination is shown wherein a first support member of the clip house is connected to the rocker panel at a first junction that is located between the top surface of the part and a depending side surface. The side surface is connected to a part surface at a second juncture or radiused section. A second support member of the clip house is attached to the surface at a location that is laterally spaced from the second juncture.

Abstract: A windshield molding for insertion in the space between a windshield glass panel and a window opening of a vehicle body panel. The windshield molding structure includes a clasp portion, a bendable portion, and a channel lip portion. The clasp portion conformingly adheres to the edge of the windshield glass and the bendable portion engages the periphery of the window opening wherein the bendable portion bends and folds under the channel lip portion to provide an air-tight compression seal between the window glass and vehicle body panel, thereby minimizing undesirable air flow whistling and collection of dirt or other debris within the windshield molding structure. A windshield molding is also provided with a water drain channel which guides rainwater along the edge of the molding structure to prevent the water fluid from being sprayed onto the side windows.

Abstract: Rocker panel/clip house combination is shown wherein a first support member of the clip house is connected to the rocker panel (205) at a first junction that is located between the top surface (220) of the part and a depending side surface. A second support member of the clip house is attached to a second juncture of the part that is located between the side surface and an underside surface of the part.

Abstract: Rocker panel/clip house combination is shown wherein a first support member of the clip house is connected to the rocker panel (205) at a first junction that is located between the top surface (220) of the part and a depending side surface. A second support member of the clip house is attached to a second juncture of the part that is located between the side surface and an underside surface of the part.

Abstract: A method for insert-molding a plural color film laminate part and part made by the method. The method comprises preforming a film laminate and subsequently insert-molding a plastic substrate against the preformed film laminate. An improvement in traditional insert molding techniques is provided by use of a specific mold cavity structure which facilitates positioning of the film laminate transition line(s) between colors within longitudinally extending groove(s) in the part show face. According to one embodiment, the film laminate is preformed with a re-entrant edge portion which is positioned within the mold cavity such that the edge of the plastic substrate will be substantially covered. The insert molding step involves positioning the preformed film laminate in a specially configured mold cavity, closing the mold and injecting molten resin into the mold cavity against the film laminate.

Abstract: An improved rocker panel on side sill construction includes a substantially planar horizontal top portion, a side portion with a substantially convex show surface and a substantially concave hidden surface opposite the show surface, and a clip house mounting structure disposed on the hidden surface. The improvement consists of joining the clip house to the rocker panel or side sill at the juncture formed between the top show surface and side show surface of the part. Preferably, this joint comprises at least one hollow channel surrounded by a reinforcing rib connecting to the hidden surface proximate the juncture of the top portion with the side portion and connecting the clip house mounting structure to this rib. The channel and reinforcing rib may run substantially longitudinally the length of the rocker panel. The channel and reinforcing rib inhibiting sagging in the top portion of the part between adjacent clip house mounting structures.