Abstract: A method for continuously forming molded parts includes providing an extruder; directing a hollow column of plastic material from the extruder; providing a plurality of die blocks each including planar end segments having differing geometry and joined by the intermediate convoluted segments; continuously moving such die blocks for receiving and forming the hollow column into strut boots with planar end segments and intermediate convoluted segments and advancing the shaped column of plastic material from the continuously moving die blocks and providing a cutter synchronized to the movement of the shaped column for separating the planar end segments to form one or more parts having planar end segments of the same or differing geometry in each part or with differing geometry from part to part.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a first body part with a seal support flange thereon that supports a unitary seal construction having a flexible bulb seal portion engageable with second vehicle body part including a hood or other vehicle body part for sealing against leakage between the first and second vehicle body parts and an integrally formed base portion and wherein the flexible bulb seal is hollow and is formed of a soft low density thermoplastic foam and the integrally formed base portion is integrally extruded with the flexible bulb seal and is formed solely from polymeric material having spaced walls defining a recess for fitting the unitary seal construction in place on the support flange.

Abstract: An air flow directing seal with integrally formed attachment member for attaching a seal to an automotive fan shroud is disclosed. The seal further includes an integrally formed flag portion which directs the flow of air from the radiator to the fan shroud. The attachment member includes a semi-rigid C-shaped channel that is made of a talc filled polypropylene material and further includes flexible resilient teeth integral with the inside surfaces of the C-shaped channel which aid in gripping the seal to a linear edge of the automotive fan shroud. The seal is made by a dual extrusion process whereby two types of thermoplastic materials are utilized having various physical properties in accordance with the desired specification. The flexible resilient teeth and the flag are made of the same thermoplastic rubber and the C-shaped channel is made of polypropylene during the same extrusion process. Thus, the teeth and the flag extend the entire length of the seal.